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Venofer

iron sucrose
Used for Iron Deficiency
Used for Iron Deficiency

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.

Last reviewed on June 20, 2024
basics-icon

What is Venofer (iron sucrose)?

What is Venofer (iron sucrose) used for?

How Venofer (iron sucrose) works

Venofer (iron sucrose) is an iron supplement that helps replenish your body with this important mineral. Iron helps your bone marrow make red blood cells. It also helps make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that's essential for delivering oxygen to different parts of your body.

Are you looking for information on Infed (iron dextran) or oral iron supplements like ferrous sulfate instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVenofer
Drug ClassIron supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Venofer (iron sucrose)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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%)

Other Side Effects

Adults with CKD on hemodialysis:
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint or back pain
  • Chest pain
  • Pain in arms or legs
  • Swelling in arms, legs, or ankles
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Itching
Children 2 years and older with CKD:
  • Nausea
  • Changes in blood pressure
Note: Side effects might differ depending on your need for dialysis and the type of dialysis.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • High iron levels: fatigue, weakness, darkening of skin color, stomach or joint pain
  • Serious allergic reactions: chest pain, changes in heart rate, headache, dizziness, fever, rash, hives nausea, chills, flushing (feeling warm all of a sudden), fatigue, shortness of breath

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blurred vision

chest pain or tightness in the chest

confusion

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

headache

nervousness

pounding in the ears

rapid weight gain

slow or fast heartbeat

sweating

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

Fever

Incidence not known

Chest discomfort

difficulty swallowing

hives or itching

increased sweating

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of consciousness

noisy breathing

slow or irregular heartbeat

swelling of the joints

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Change in taste

diarrhea

muscle cramps

nausea or vomiting

pain in the arms or legs

pain or burning sensation in the injection site

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

body aches or pain

chills

difficulty with moving

ear congestion or pain

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

increased hunger or thirst

increased urination

lack or loss of strength

pain or redness at the injection site

pale skin at the injection site

runny nose, sneezing

sore throat

unexplained weight loss

Rare

Burning, dry, or itching eyes

discharge or excessive tearing

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Venofer (iron sucrose)

thumbs-up

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

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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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Venofer (iron sucrose)

pharmacist
  • Mark your appointment(s) on your calendar to get your blood work done on time. The results from these blood tests help your prescriber check your iron levels during your treatment with Venofer (iron sucrose).

    • During your infusion, tell a member of your care team right away if you experience dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, joint or muscle pain, or a tingling feeling. These can be signs that your Venofer (iron sucrose) injection is too fast. The healthcare professional can slow down how fast you're getting the medication through your IV. Your care team can also give you an antihistamine or steroid to help relieve these symptoms.

      • You'll need to stay at the office or infusion center for at least 30 minutes after each Venofer (iron sucrose) dose. Your care team will check to see whether you have any allergic reactions to Venofer (iron sucrose). They can give you medications to treat these reactions, if needed.

        • Don't take any other iron supplements while you're getting treated with Venofer (iron sucrose). This can put you at risk for having too much iron in the body, which can cause fatigue, weakness, darkening skin color, or joint pain.

          • It's generally recommended that you follow an iron-rich diet to help restore your iron levels. Foods that are high in iron include red meats (like beef or pork), dark leafy greens (like broccoli or spinach), beans, and iron-enriched pasta and rice. Talk to your care team about how much iron you need to include in your diet every day.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Venofer (iron sucrose)

            How long does it take for Venofer (iron sucrose) to work?
            Venofer (iron sucrose) gets quickly absorbed into your body and works quickly to help restore your iron levels. It takes about a day for ferritin levels to rise. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, so your ferritin levels help estimate how much iron you have in your body. In addition, it takes about a week for your transferrin saturation (TSAT) to rise. Transferrin is a protein that carries iron through your blood to various tissues in your body. As more iron attaches to transferrin proteins, your TSAT rises, which could mean your iron levels are starting to go back up. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well Venofer (iron sucrose) is working for you.
            How long does Venofer (iron sucrose) stay in your system?
            It takes about 30 hours in adults and about 40 hours in children for Venofer (iron sucrose) to leave the body after a single dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of the medication, or the time it takes for the medication's level in the body to drop by half.
            How long do Venofer (iron sucrose) side effects last?
            It's not exactly clear how long Venofer (iron sucrose) side effects last. It might depend on the specific side effect you're experiencing. For example, side effects like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and headache might get better over time. Let your care team know if you have any side effects during or after your Venofer (iron sucrose) dose. Also contact your care team if you still feel side effects even after you finish your Venofer (iron sucrose) treatment course. Your care team can recommend ways to manage and relieve the side effects.
            Can Venofer (iron sucrose) be given daily?
            Certain adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) might be able to get Venofer (iron sucrose) daily until they reach their total recommended dose for their treatment course. This includes adults who don't need dialysis and adults who need hemodialysis. But adults with CKD who need peritoneal dialysis and children 2 years and older with CKD will need to follow a specific dosing schedule for their Venofer (iron sucrose) treatment. Your prescriber will make sure you get Venofer (iron sucrose) on the correct days and at the right dose. Keep in mind that you'll probably need to go to the medical office or infusion center for your Venofer (iron sucrose) treatment. Work with the medical office or infusion center to schedule your appointments.
            Can you give Venofer (iron sucrose) and blood transfusion together?
            There aren't clear recommendations on whether or not Venofer (iron sucrose) and a blood transfusion can be given together. Both are treatment options for iron-deficiency anemia. It's important to consider that blood transfusions provide iron. This means that it's possible for your iron levels to become too high if you take Venofer (iron sucrose) and get a blood transfusion together. Speak with your care team about whether it's appropriate for you to get a blood transfusion while you're getting treated with Venofer (iron sucrose).
            Can Venofer (iron sucrose) cause dark urine?
            While iron supplements that are taken by mouth (like ferrous sulfate) are known to cause brown-colored urine, changes in urine color weren't reported by people who were treated with Venofer (iron sucrose), an iron supplement that's injected through the vein. Seek medical help right away if you notice red- or dark-colored urine to get examined. This can be a sign of a medical problem, like bleeding or dehydration.
            What's the difference between Venofer (iron sucrose) and Injectafer?
            Both Venofer (iron sucrose) and Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) are iron supplements that are infused through the vein. They're both used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But Injectafer can also be used for people who can't take iron supplements by mouth and for certain adults with heart failure and low iron levels. Another difference between both medications is the number of infusions you need to complete treatment. Depending on whether you need dialysis and the type of dialysis, you'll need 3 or more Venofer infusions for a complete treatment course. But with Injectafer, you typically only need 1 or 2 infusions. Studies show that both medications work just as well as each other to raise iron levels. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have more questions about comparing Venofer to Injectafer.
            Is Venofer (iron sucrose) safe during pregnancy?
            Studies show that iron infusions like Venofer (iron sucrose) are safe during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy to treat low iron levels. But it's unclear whether the medication is safe to use during the first trimester of pregnancy. It's important to know that untreated iron-deficiency anemia can cause problems during pregnancy. Discuss with your primary care provider about the risks and benefits of treatment with Venofer (iron sucrose) if you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Venofer (iron sucrose)?

            Venofer (iron sucrose) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Serious allergic reactions

            • Risk factors: History of allergy to another iron product

              Venofer (iron sucrose) can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, for example, anaphylaxis. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction are changes in blood pressure, fast heart rate, dizziness, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, throat tightness, and nausea. Your care team will keep an eye on you for allergic reactions for at least 30 minutes after the infusion. Seek medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction.

              risk-warning

              Low blood pressure

              Venofer (iron sucrose) can lower your blood pressure. This typically happens after the infusion. Your care team might check your blood pressure or monitor you for symptoms of low blood pressure, like lightheadedness or dizziness, after you get your infusion.

              risk-warning

              Too much iron in the body

              Your care team will make sure that you get the right amount of IV iron supplementation that you need to treat your IDA. Too much iron in the body (iron overload) can be harmful. It can lead to liver, heart, and joint problems, as well as other organ damage.

              To lower your risk for having too much iron in the body, don't take any other iron supplements during your treatment with Venofer (iron sucrose). Let your care team know right away if you experience fatigue, weakness, darkening skin color, or joint pain. These might be signs of high iron levels in your blood. Keep these signs in mind if your prescriber recommends that you take another iron supplement after you complete your treatment with Venofer (iron sucrose).

              dosage

              Venofer (iron sucrose) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Venofer (iron sucrose)

              Venofer (iron sucrose) is given as an injection into the veins (intravenously or IV) by a trained healthcare professional.

              Adults with CKD

              • Who don't need dialysis: The typical total treatment is 1,000 mg, given as 5 doses of 200 mg IV over a two-week period. The medication is given as a slow injection over 2 to 5 minutes or as an infusion over 15 minutes.

              • Who need hemodialysis: The typical total treatment is 1,000 mg, given as 10 doses of 100 mg IV per dialysis session. The medication is given as a slow injection over 2 to 5 minutes or as an infusion over 15 minutes.

              • Who need peritoneal dialysis: The typical dose is 300 mg IV on day 1, 300 mg two weeks later, and then 400 mg after another two weeks. The medication is given as an infusion over 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

              Children 2 years and older with CKD (for iron maintenance treatment)

              • Who need hemodialysis: The dose will depend on your child's weight. The typical dose is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight (maximum 100 mg) IV every other week for 3 months. The medication is given as a slow injection over 5 minutes or as an infusion over 5 to 60 minutes.

              • Who don't need dialysis OR who need peritoneal dialysis, but are taking erythropoietin-stimulating agents: The dose will depend on your child's weight. The typical dose is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight (maximum 100 mg) IV every month for 3 months. The medication is given as a slow injection over 5 minutes or as an infusion over 5 to 60 minutes.

              You can repeat a treatment course with Venofer (iron sucrose), if needed.

              interactions

              Interactions between Venofer (iron sucrose) and other drugs

              Venofer (iron sucrose) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Venofer (iron sucrose). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              • Baloxavir Marboxil
              • Bictegravir
              • Dimercaprol
              • Eltrombopag
              • Erdafitinib
              • Raltegravir

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Venofer (iron sucrose)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Venofer (iron sucrose). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Venofer (iron sucrose)
              Used for:
              Used for:
              Used for:
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              Venofer (iron sucrose) images

              brown - Venofer 100mg / 5ml Solution for Injection
              This medicine is Brown Vial.brown - Venofer 100mg / 5ml Solution for Injection

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              References

              Best studies we found

              American Red Cross. (n.d.). Red blood cells and why they are important.

              American Regent, Inc. (2022). Venofer- iron sucrose injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Cançado, R. D., et al. (2011). Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose in treating adults with iron deficiency anemia. Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia.

              View All References (14)

              Elsayed, M. E., et al. (2016). Transferrin saturation: A body iron biomarker. Advances in Clinical Chemistry.

              Fein, S., et al. (2023). Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of iron infusions in pregnant women: A retrospective chart review. Blood.

              Garzon, S., et al. (2020). Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: Novel approaches for an old problem. Oman Medical Journal.

              Hamilton, J. P. A., (2022). Secondary iron overload. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

              Macdougall, I. C., et al. (2020). Iron sucrose: A wealth of experience in treating iron deficiency. Advances in Therapy.

              MedlinePlus. (2022). Ferritin blood test.

              MedlinePlus. (2022). Hemoglobin.

              National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Iron-deficiency anemia.

              National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Peritoneal dialysis.

              National Kidney Foundation. (2024). Hemodialysis.

              Onken, J. E., et al. (2013). Ferric carboxymaltose in patients with iron-deficiency anemia and impaired renal function: The REPAIR-IDA trial. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.

              Rasel, M., et al. (2024). Transfusion iron overload. StatPearls.

              Wang, C., et al. (2015). Comparative risk of anaphylactic reactions associated with intravenous iron products. Journal of the American Medical Association.

              Yuen, H. W., et al. (2023). Iron toxicity. StatPearls.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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