Venofer contains iron sucrose, a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Venofer is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease. Venofer is usually given with another medication to promote the growth of red blood cells (such as Aranesp, Epogen, or Procrit).
This medication is not for treating other forms of anemia not caused by iron deficiency.
Venofer may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Important information
You should not receive Venofer if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an iron injection, or if you have iron overload (the buildup of excess iron) or hemochromatosis.
Before you receive Venofer, tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, hepatitis, or if you have received many blood transfusions in the past.
Venofer can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or other iron-based oral medications.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive Venofer?
You should not receive Venofer if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an iron injection, or if you have iron overload (the buildup of excess iron) or hemochromatosis.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Venofer:
FDA pregnancy category B. Venofer is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Venofer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Venofer without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Venofer?
Venofer is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or directly into a dialysis line. You will receive this injection in a clinic, hospital, or dialysis setting.
To be sure Venofer is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Venofer. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your Venofer.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint or muscle pain, swelling, numbness or tingling, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).
These symptoms may also occur if the medication is infused too quickly.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Venofer.
Venofer side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect such as:
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chest pain;
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feeling like you might pass out;
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
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trouble breathing; or
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dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious Venofer side effects may include:
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muscle cramps;
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weakness, tired feeling;
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dizziness, anxiety, headache;
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
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diarrhea, constipation;
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ear pain;
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sore throat, sinus pain or congestion;
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decreased sense of taste;
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joint pain; or
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pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Venofer?
Venofer can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or other iron-based oral medications, such as:
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ferrous fumarate (Feostat, Ferrets, Ferrocite, Hemocyte, Ircon, Tandem);
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ferrous gluconate (Ferate, Fergon); and
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ferrous sulfate (Feosol, Fer-Gen-Sol, Slow Fe), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Venofer. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
