Venofer vs. Injectafer for Iron Deficiency: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Venofer

(iron sucrose)

Injectafer

(ferric carboxymaltose)

Summary for Venofer

Prescription only

Venofer (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 for Venofer

Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people with chronic kidney disease

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

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 people

Cons

Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional
Requires multiple doses and office visits to complete treatment
No lower-cost generic available; brand name only

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Adults 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 for Venofer

Serious allergic reactions
Low blood pressure
Too much iron in the body

Summary for Injectafer

Prescription only

Injectafer (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 for Injectafer

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
- Adults who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who aren't on dialysis
Iron deficiency (low iron levels) in certain adults with heart failure

Pros and Cons for Injectafer

Pros

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 levels

Cons

Must be injected into the vein by a healthcare provider
Must be given at an infusion center or provider's office
Brand-name medication only

Common Side Effects for Injectafer

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%)
Low blood phosphate levels (2%)

Note: Side effect percentages were collected from clinical studies with adults. Percentages for children might be different.

Warnings for Injectafer

Allergic reactions
Low blood phosphate levels
High blood pressure

Prices with our coupons for Venofer vs. Injectafer

Venofer10 vials / 5ml of 20mg/ml

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Injectafer2 vials / 15ml of 750mg/15ml

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Venofer vs. Injectafer

Venofer

Injectafer

Summary for Venofer

Indications for Venofer

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Warnings for Venofer

Summary for Injectafer

Indications for Injectafer

Pros and Cons for Injectafer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Injectafer

Warnings for Injectafer

Prices with our coupons for Venofer vs. Injectafer

Browse medications by letter

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Venofer

Injectafer

Summary for Venofer

Indications for Venofer

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Warnings for Venofer

Summary for Injectafer

Indications for Injectafer

Pros and Cons for Injectafer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Injectafer

Warnings for Injectafer