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Compare Velphoro vs. Renvela

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) are both phosphate binders used to lower blood phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. Velphoro is a chewable tablet with a berry flavor, while Renvela is available as a tablet that you swallow whole or as a powder that you can mix with food or drinks. Velphoro must be taken three times a day with meals, and it can cause dark stools and discolored teeth. Renvela also needs to be taken with meals and can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unlike Velphoro, Renvela is available as a lower-cost generic. Additionally, Renvela can be used in children as young as 6 years old, whereas Velphoro is only for adults. Both medications can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your provider about all the medications you are taking.

  • Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide)
    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
  • Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide)
    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

  • Summary of Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Summary for Phosphate binder
    Prescription only

    Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) helps lower phosphate levels in the blood for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It's easy to take, since it's a chewable tablet.

    Summary for Phosphate binder
    Prescription only

    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is a medication that's used to lower blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It's common to have stomach side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, with this medication. Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is available as a tablet that's swallowed whole and as a powder that can be made into a liquid (suspension). Both formulations are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Indications of Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Indications for
    •High blood phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease on dialysis
    Indications for
    •High blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis

  • Pros and Cons of Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Pros and Const for Phosphate binder
    Pros
    •May only need to chew 1 tablet of Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) per meal, whereas similar phosphate binder medications need up to 4 pills per meal to work
    •Tablets taste like berries
    •People find Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) as chewable as Tums and easier to chew than lanthanum (Fosrenol)
    Cons
    •Must be taken with meals, so you can't replace a dose that you miss. If you miss a dose, take it the next time you eat.
    •Can cause dark stools and stain your teeth
    •Can interact with many other medications. Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you take, including vitamins and supplements.
    Pros and Const for Phosphate binder
    Pros
    •Works well to lower blood phosphate levels
    •Available as a powder that can be made into a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must take with meals for it to work
    •Not the first choice for people with swallowing or constipation problems
    •Might have interactions with some medications, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), that require specifically timed separation from sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

  • Common Side Effects of Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dark stool (12%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Feeling gassy (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)

  • Warnings of Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible high iron risk
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blockage of your digestive tract
    •Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid

  • Prices with our coupons for Velphoro vs. Renvela

    Learn more about Velphoro
    Learn more about Sevelamer carbonate

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