Compare Venofer vs. Injectafer
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Venofer (iron sucrose)Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose)
- Venofer (iron sucrose)Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose)
Summary of Venofer vs. Injectafer
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.
Summary for Iron supplementPrescription onlyInjectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) is an iron supplement that's given as an infusion through the vein. It treats iron-deficiency anemia in people who can't take iron supplements by mouth and in certain adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) can also treat iron deficiency in certain adults with heart failure. This medication is given by a healthcare provider, typically as one or two infusions. While the medication helps replace iron in your blood, it can cause side effects like nausea and flushing of the skin.
Indications of Venofer vs. Injectafer
Indications for•Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people with chronic kidney diseaseIndications for•Iron-deficiency anemia (anemia due to low iron levels) in:
•People 1 year of age and older who either can't take or don't respond well to iron supplements that are taken by mouth•Iron deficiency (low iron levels) in certain adults with heart failure
Pros and Cons of Venofer vs. Injectafer
Pros 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 onlyPros and Const for Iron supplementPros•Given as 1 or 2 infusions for most people•Infusion takes about 15 minutes•Can use for children as young as 1 year old who can't take iron supplements by mouth•Can help improve ability to exercise in adults with heart failure and low iron levelsCons•Must be injected into the vein by a healthcare provider•Must be given at an infusion center or provider's office•Brand-name medication onlyCommon Side Effects of Venofer vs. Injectafer
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%)Common Side Effects for•Nausea (7%)•High blood pressure (4%)•Flushing of the skin (up to 4%)•Injection site reactions (pain, irritation, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, or redness; 3%)•Dizziness (2%)•Vomiting (2%)Note: Side effect percentages were collected from clinical studies with adults. Percentages for children might be different.
Warnings of Venofer vs. Injectafer
Common Side Effects for•Serious allergic reactions•Low blood pressure•Too much iron in the bodyCommon Side Effects for•Allergic reactions•Low blood phosphate levels•High blood pressurePrices with our coupons for Venofer vs. Injectafer
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