Compare Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate)Venofer (iron sucrose)
- Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate)Venofer (iron sucrose)
Summary of Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Summary for Iron supplementPrescription onlyFerrlecit, the brand name for sodium ferric gluconate complex, is an iron supplement that's given as an injection through the vein. It's FDA approved to treat iron-deficiency anemia in adults and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving hemodialysis and epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit). Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate) is given with each dialysis session. It's administered by a healthcare professional typically as an intravenous (IV) infusion over an hour, but it can also be given as a faster injection for adults. Side effects can include low blood pressure, stomach upset, and headaches.
Summary for Iron supplementPrescription onlyVenofer (iron sucrose) is an injectable iron supplement that's used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in adults and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Venofer (iron sucrose) is given by a healthcare professional as an injection or infusion through the veins (IV). The dose depends on your age, your need for dialysis, and the type of dialysis you're having (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis). Side effects include low blood pressure, headache, and nausea.
Indications of Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Indications for•Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people age 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis and epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit)Indications for•Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people with chronic kidney diseasePros and Cons of Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Pros and Const for Iron supplementPros•IV infusion can be given at the same time as dialysis, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule•Safe for children as young as 6 years old with chronic kidney disease (CKD)Cons•Requires blood pressure monitoring to make sure this medication is safe for you•Not a recommended option during pregnancy•Has a risk of severe allergic reactionsPros and Const for Iron supplementPros•Works well for treating iron-deficiency anemia•Has relatively low risk of severe allergic reactions compared to other IV iron supplements•Can be given as a shorter IV injection for some peopleCons•Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional•Requires multiple doses and office visits to complete treatment•No lower-cost generic available; brand name onlyCommon Side Effects of Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Common Side Effects forAdults:
•Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (35%)•Injection site reaction (33%)•Lower blood pressure (29%)•Cramps (25%)•Higher blood pressure (13%)•Dizziness (13%)•Abnormal changes in red blood cells (11%)•Shortness of breath (11%)•General pain (10%)•Chest pain (10%)•Leg cramps (10%)Children:
•Lower blood pressure (35%)•Headache (24%)•Higher blood pressure (23%)•Fast heart rate (17%)•Vomiting (11%)Common Side Effects forAdults with CKD on hemodialysis:
•Low blood pressure (39%)•Muscle cramps (29%)•Nausea (15%)•Headache (13%)•Vomiting (9%)•High blood pressure (7%)•Dizziness (7%)•Diarrhea (5%)Children 2 years and older with CKD:
•Headache (6%)•Viral respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)•Swelling in stomach area (4%)•Vomiting (4%)•Fever (4%)•Dizziness (4%)•Cough (4%)Warnings of Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
Common Side Effects for•Serious allergic reactions•Low blood pressure•Too much iron in the body•Not approved for newborns or infants because of risk of serious breathing problem (gasping syndrome)Common Side Effects for•Serious allergic reactions•Low blood pressure•Too much iron in the bodyPrices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Venofer
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