Venofer Side Effects
Generic Name: iron sucrose
Please note - some side effects for Venofer may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of Venofer - for the Consumer
Venofer
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Venofer:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Venofer:Cramps/leg cramps; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting.
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; collapse; convulsions; loss of consciousness.
Venofer Side Effects - for the Professional
Venofer
Adverse Events observed in all treated populations
The frequency of adverse events associated with the use of Venofer® has been documented in six randomized clinical trials involving 231 hemodialysis dependent, 139 non-dialysis dependent and 75 peritoneal dialysis dependent-CKD patients; and in two post-marketing safety studies involving 1,051 hemodialysis dependent-CKD patients for a total of 1,496 patients. In addition, over 2,000 patients treated with Venofer® have been reported in the medical literature.
Treatment-emergent adverse events reported by ≥ 2% of treated patients in the randomized clinical trials, whether or not related to Venofer® administration, are listed by indication in Table 2.
| Adverse Events (Preferred Term) |
HDD-CKD | NDD-CKD | PDD-CKD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venofer® (N=231) % |
Venofer® (N=139) % |
Oral Iron (N=139) % |
Venofer® (N=75) % |
EPO Only (N=46) % |
|
|
*NOS=Not otherwise specified |
|||||
| Subjects with any adverse event | 78.8 | 76.3 | 73.4 | 72.0 | 65.2 |
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Ear Pain |
0 |
2.2 |
0.7 |
0 |
0 |
| Eye Disorders Conjunctivitis |
0.4 |
0 |
0 |
2.7 |
0 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal pain NOS* Constipation Diarrhea NOS Dysgeusia Nausea Vomiting NOS |
3.5 1.3 5.2 0.9 14.7 9.1 |
1.4 4.3 7.2 7.9 8.6 5.0 |
2.9 12.9 10.1 0 12.2 8.6 |
4.0 4.0 8.0 0 5.3 8.0 |
6.5 6.5 4.3 0 4.3 2.2 |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Asthenia Chest pain Edema NOS Fatigue Feeling abnormal Infusion site burning Injection site extravasation Injection site pain Peripheral edema Pyrexia |
2.2 6.1 0.4 1.7 3.0 0 0 0 2.6 3.0 |
0.7 1.4 6.5 3.6 0 3.6 2.2 2.2 7.2 0.7 |
2.2 0 6.5 5.8 0 0 0 0 5.0 0.7 |
2.7 2.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.3 1.3 |
0 0 2.2 4.3 0 0 0 0 10.9 0 |
| Infections and Infestations Catheter site infection Nasopharyngitis Peritoneal infection Sinusitis NOS Upper respiratory tract infection NOS Urinary tract infection NOS |
0 0.9 0 0 1.3 0.4 |
0 0.7 0 0.7 0.7 0.7 |
0 2.2 0 0.7 1.4 5.0 |
4.0 2.7 8.0 4.0 2.7 1.3 |
8.7 2.2 10.9 0 2.2 2.2 |
| Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications Graft complication |
9.5 |
1.4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Investigations Cardiac murmur NOS Fecal occult blood positive |
0.4 0 |
2.2 1.4 |
2.2 3.6 |
0 2.7 |
0 4.3 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Fluid overload Gout Hyperglycemia NOS Hypoglycemia NOS |
3.0 0 0 0.4 |
1.4 2.9 2.9 0.7 |
0.7 1.4 0 0.7 |
1.3 0 0 4.0 |
0 0 2.2 0 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Arthralgia Arthritis NOS Back pain Muscle cramp Myalgia Pain in extremity |
3.5 0 2.2 29.4 0 5.6 |
1.4 0 2.2 0.7 3.6 4.3 |
2.2 0 3.6 0.7 0 0 |
4.0 0 1.3 2.7 1.3 2.7 |
4.3 4.3 4.3 0 0 6.5 |
| Nervous System Disorders Dizziness Headache Hypoesthesia |
6.5 12.6 0 |
6.5 2.9 0.7 |
1.4 0.7 0.7 |
1.3 4.0 0 |
4.3 0 4.3 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough Dyspnea Dyspnea exacerbated Nasal congestion Pharyngitis Rhinitis allergic NOS |
3.0 3.5 0 0 0.4 0 |
2.2 3.6 2.2 1.4 0 0.7 |
0.7 0.7 0.7 2.2 0 2.2 |
1.3 1.3 0 1.3 6.7 0 |
0 2.2 0 0 0 0 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Pruritus Rash NOS |
3.9 0.4 |
2.2 1.4 |
4.3 2.2 |
2.7 0 |
0 2.2 |
| Vascular Disorders Hypertension NOS Hypotension NOS |
6.5 39.4 |
6.5 2.2 |
4.3 0.7 |
8.0 2.7 |
6.5 2.2 |
Treatment-emergent adverse events reported in ≥ 2% of patients by dose group are shown in Table 3.
Adverse Events (Preferred Term ) |
HDD-CKD | NDD-CKD | PDD-CKD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg (N=231) % |
200 mg (N=109) % |
500 mg (N=30) % |
300 mg for 2 doses followed by 400 mg for 1 dose (N=75) % |
|
|
*NOS=Not otherwise specified |
||||
| Subjects with any adverse event | 78.8 | 75.2 | 80.0 | 72.0 |
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders | ||||
| Ear pain | 0 | 0.9 | 6.7 | 0 |
| Eye Disorders Conjunctivitis |
0.4 |
0 |
0 |
2.7 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Abdominal pain NOS* | 3.5 | 1.8 | 0 | 4.0 |
| Constipation | 1.3 | 3.7 | 6.7 | 4.0 |
| Diarrhea NOS | 5.2 | 6.4 | 10.0 | 8.0 |
| Dysgeusia | 0.9 | 9.2 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Nausea | 14.7 | 9.2 | 6.7 | 5.3 |
| Vomiting NOS | 9.1 | 5.5 | 3.3 | 8.0 |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions |
||||
| Asthenia | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0 | 2.7 |
| Chest pain | 6.1 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| Edema NOS | 0.4 | 7.3 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Fatigue | 1.7 | 4.6 | 0 | 0 |
| Feeling abnormal | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Infusion site burning | 0 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Injection site pain | 0 | 2.8 | 0 | 0 |
| Peripheral edema | 2.6 | 5.5 | 13.3 | 5.3 |
| Pyrexia | 3.0 | 0.9 | 0 | 1.3 |
| Infections and Infestations | ||||
| Catheter site infection Nasopharyngitis Peritoneal infection Sinusitis NOS Upper respiratory tract infection |
0 0.9 0 0 1.3 |
0 0.9 0 0 0.9 |
0 0 0 3.3 0 |
4.0 2.7 8.0 4 2.7 |
| Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications | ||||
| Graft complication | 9.5 | 1.8 | 0 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||||
| Cardiac murmur NOS Fecal occult blood positive |
0.4 0 |
2.8 1.8 |
0 0 |
0 2.7 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Fluid overload | 3.0 | 1.8 | 0 | 1.3 |
| Gout | 0 | 1.8 | 6.7 | 0 |
| Hyperglycemia NOS | 0 | 3.7 | 0 | 0 |
| Hypoglycemia NOS | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0 | 4.0 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Arthralgia | 3.5 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 4.0 |
| Back pain | 2.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 | 1.3 |
| Muscle cramp | 29.4 | 0 | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| Myalgia | 0 | 2.8 | 6.7 | 1.3 |
| Pain in extremity | 5.6 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Dizziness | 6.5 | 5.5 | 10.0 | 1.3 |
| Headache | 12.6 | 3.7 | 0 | 4.0 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||
| Cough | 3.0 | 0.9 | 6.7 | 1.3 |
| Dyspnea | 3.5 | 1.8 | 10.0 | 1.3 |
| Pharyngitis | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 6.7 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Pruritus | 3.9 | 0.9 | 6.7 | 2.7 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Hypertension NOS | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 8.0 |
| Hypotension NOS | 39.4 | 0.9 | 6.7 | 2.7 |
Drug related adverse events reported by ≥ 2% of Venofer® treated patients are shown by dose group in Table 4.
|
*NOS=Not otherwise specified |
||||
| HDD-CKD | NDD-CKD | PDD-CKD | ||
| Adverse Events | 100 mg | 200 mg | 500 mg | 300 mg for 2 |
| (Preferred Term) | (N=231) | (N=109) | (N=30) | doses |
| % | % | % | followed | |
| by 400 mg | ||||
| for 1 dose | ||||
| (N= 75) | ||||
| % | ||||
| Subjects with any adverse event | 14.7 | 23.9 | 20.0 | 10.7 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Diarrhea NOS* | 0.9 | 0 | 0 | 2.7 |
| Dysgeusia | 0.9 | 7.3 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Nausea | 1.7 | 2.8 | 0 | 1.3 |
| General Disorders and | ||||
| Administration Site | ||||
| Conditions | ||||
| Infusion site burning | 0 | 3.7 | 0 | 0 |
| Injection site pain | 0 | 2.8 | 0 | 0 |
| Peripheral edema | 0 | 1.8 | 6.7 | 0 |
| Nervous Systems Disorders | ||||
| Dizziness | 0 | 2.8 | 6.7 | 0 |
| Headache | 0 | 2.8 | 0 | 0 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Hypotension NOS | 5.2 | 0 | 6.7 | 0 |
Adverse Events Observed in Hemodialysis Dependent-Chronic Kidney Disease (HDD-CKD) Patients
Adverse reactions, whether or not related to Venofer® (iron sucrose injection, USP) administration, reported by >5% of treated patients from a total of 231 patients in HDD-CKD Studies A, B, and C were as follows: hypotension (39.4%), muscle cramps (29.4%), nausea (14.7%), headache (12.6%), graft complications (9.5%), vomiting (9.1%), dizziness (6.5%), hypertension (6.5%), chest pain (6.1%), and diarrhea (5.2%).
In the first post-marketing safety study, 665 chronic hemodialysis patients were treated with Venofer® doses of 100 mg at each dialysis session for up to 10 consecutive dialysis sessions for their iron deficiency or on a weekly basis for 10 weeks for maintenance of iron stores. In this study, 72% of the patients received up to 10 doses, 27% received between 11-30 doses, and 1% received 40 to 50 doses of Venofer®. Serious adverse events and drug-related non-serious adverse events were collected. In the second post-marketing safety study, 386 hemodialysis patients were exposed to a single dose of Venofer® (100 mg IV by slow injection over 2 minutes or 200 mg IV by slow injection over 5 minutes). The mean age of patients enrolled into the two post-marketing safety studies was 59 years, with a range of 20-93 years. Males made up 60% of the population. The ethnicity of the patients enrolled in the two studies included Blacks (44%), Caucasians (41%), Hispanics (11%), Asians (3%), and others (1%). Adverse events reported by > 1% of 1,051 treated patients were: cardiac failure congestive, sepsis NOS and dysgeusia.
Adverse Events Observed in Non-Dialysis Dependent-Chronic Kidney Disease (NDD-CKD) Patients
In Study D of 182 treated NDD-CKD patients, 91 were exposed to Venofer®. Adverse events, whether or not related to Venofer® , reported by ≥5% of the Venofer® exposed patients were as follows: dysgeusia (7.7%), peripheral edema (7.7%), diarrhea (5.5%), constipation (5.5%), nausea (5.5%), dizziness (5.5%), and hypertension (5.5%). One serious related adverse reaction was reported (hypotension and shortness of breath not requiring hospitalization in a Venofer® patient). Two patients experienced possible hypersensitivity/allergic reactions (local edema/hypotension) during the study. Of the 5 patients who prematurely discontinued the treatment phase of the study due to adverse events (2 oral iron group and 3 Venofer® group), three Venofer® patients had events that were considered drug-related (hypotension, dyspnea and nausea).
In an additional study of Venofer® with varying erythropoietin doses in 96 treated NDD-CKD patients, adverse events, whether or not related to Venofer® reported by ≥5% of Venofer® exposed patients are as follows: diarrhea (16.5%), edema (16.5%), nausea (13.2%), vomiting (12.1%), arthralgia (7.7%), back pain (7.7%), headache (7.7%), hypertension (7.7%), dysgeusia (7.7%), dizziness (6.6%), extremity pain (5.5%), and injection site burning (5.5%). No patient experienced a hypersensitivity/allergic reaction during the study. Of the patients who prematurely discontinued the treatment phase of the study due to adverse events (2.1% oral iron group and 12.5% Venofer® group), only one patient (Venofer® group) had events that were considered drug-related (anxiety, headache, and nausea). Ninety-one (91) patients in this study were exposed to Venofer® either during the treatment or extended follow-up phase.
Adverse Events Observed in Peritoneal Dialysis Dependent-Chronic Kidney Disease (PDD-CKD) Patients
In Study E of 121 treated PDD-CKD patients, 75 patients were exposed to Venofer®. Adverse events, whether or not related to Venofer® reported by ≥5% of these patients are as follows: diarrhea, peritoneal infection, vomiting, hypertension, pharyngitis, peripheral edema and nausea.
In these 75 patients exposed to Venofer®, 9 patients experienced serious adverse events as follows: peritoneal infection (2 patients) and 1 patient each with cardiopulmonary arrest, myocardial infarction, upper respiratory infection NOS, anemia, gangrene, hypovolemia and tuberculosis. None of these events were considered drug-related. Two Venofer® patients experienced a moderate hypersensitivity/allergic reaction (rash or swelling/itching) during the study.
The only drug related adverse reaction to Venofer® administration reported by ≥2% of patients was diarrhea.
Three patients in the Venofer® study group discontinued study treatment due to adverse events (cardiopulmonary arrest, peritonitis and myocardial infarction, hypertension) which were considered to be not drug-related.
Hypersensitivity Reactions:
See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.
In clinical studies, several patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions presenting with wheezing, dyspnea, hypotension, rashes, or pruritus. Serious episodes of hypotension occurred in 2 patients treated with Venofer® at a dose of 500 mg.
The post-marketing spontaneous reporting system includes reports of patients who experienced serious or life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic shock, loss of consciousness or collapse, bronchospasm with dyspnea, or convulsion) associated with Venofer® administration.
One hundred thirty (11%) of the 1,151 patients evaluated in the 4 U.S. trials in HDD-CKD patients (studies A, B and the two post marketing studies) had prior other intravenous iron therapy and were reported to be intolerant (defined as precluding further use of that iron product). When these patients were treated with Venofer® there were no occurrences of adverse events that precluded further use of Venofer®.
TopSide Effects by Body System
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included chest pain (6.1%), cardiac murmur (0.4%), hypertension (6.5%), hypotension (39.4%), and fluid overload (3.0%).
Cardiovascular side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included chest pain (1.4%), cardiac murmur (2.2%), hypertension (6.5%), hypotension (2.2%), and fluid overload (1.4%).
Cardiovascular side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included chest pain (2.7%), hypertension (8.0%), hypotension (2.7%), and fluid overload (1.3%).
Hypotension has been reported in all patients receiving intravenous iron with the highest incidence reported in HDD-CKD patients. Hypotension following administration of iron sucrose may be related to both the rate of administration and total dose administered; therefore, caution should be taken to ensure administration of iron sucrose according to the manufacturer recommended guidelines.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included arthralgia (3.5%), back pain (2.2%), muscle cramp (29.4%), and pain in extremity (5.6%).
Musculoskeletal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included arthralgia (1.4%), back pain (2.2%), muscle cramp (0.7%), myalgia (3.6%), and pain in extremity (4.3%).
Musculoskeletal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included arthralgia (4.0%), back pain (1.3%), muscle cramp (2.7%), myalgia (1.3%), and pain in extremity (2.7%).
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included abdominal pain (3.5%), constipation (1.3%), diarrhea (5.2%), dysgeusia (0.9%), nausea (14.7%), and vomiting (9.1%).
Gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included abdominal pain (1.4%), constipation (4.3%), diarrhea (7.2%), dysgeusia (7.9%), nausea (8.6%), and vomiting (5%).
Gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included abdominal pain (4.0%), constipation (4.0%), diarrhea (8.0%), nausea (5.3%), and vomiting (8.0%).
Dry mouth has also been reported.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included dizziness (6.5%), headache (12.6%), and asthenia (2.2%).
Nervous system side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included dizziness (6.5%), headache (2.9%), hypoesthesia (0.7%), and asthenia (0.7%).
Nervous system side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included dizziness (1.3%), headache (4.0%), and asthenia (2.7%).
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included cough (3.0%), dyspnea (3.5%), upper respiratory infection (1.3%), pharyngitis (0.4%), and nasopharyngitis (0.9%).
Respiratory side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included cough (2.2%), dyspnea (3.6%), exacerbated dyspnea (2.2%), nasal congestion (1.4%), sinusitis (0.7%), upper respiratory infection (0.7%), allergic rhinitis (0.7%), and nasopharyngitis (0.7%).
Respiratory side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included nasopharyngitis (2.7%), sinusitis (4.0%), upper respiratory tract infection (2.7%), cough (1.3%), dyspnea (1.3%), nasal congestion (1.3%), and pharyngitis (6.7%).
Pneumonia and cough have also been reported.
Local
Local side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included burning (3.6%), extravasation (2.2%), and pain (2.2%) at the injection site.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included pruritus (3.9%) and rash (0.4%).
Dermatologic side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included pruritus (2.2%) and rash (1.4%).
Dermatologic side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included pruritus (2.7%).
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects have included elevated liver enzymes (1% to 5%).
Immunologic
Immunologic side effects have included a possible increase in susceptibility to infections.
Endocrine
Endocrine side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included hypoglycemia (0.4%).
Endocrine side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included gout (2.9%), hyperglycemia (2.9%), and hypoglycemia (0.7%).
Endocrine side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included hypoglycemia (4.0%).
Other
Other side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included edema (0.4%), fatigue (1.7%), feeling abnormal (3.0%), peripheral edema (2.6%), pyrexia (3.0%), and graft complication (9.5%).
Other side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included ear pain (2.2%), edema (6.5%), fatigue (3.6%), peripheral edema (7.2%), pyrexia (0.7%), and graft complication (1.4%).
Other side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included peripheral edema (5.3%), pyrexia (1.3%), catheter site infection (4.0%), and peritoneal infection (8.0%).
Accidental injury and fever have also been reported.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included urinary tract infection (0.4%).
Genitourinary side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of NDD-CKD have included urinary tract infection (0.7%) and proteinuria.
Genitourinary side effects associated with the use of iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included urinary tract infection (1.3%).
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have included wheezing, dyspnea, hypotension, rashes, and pruritus. Hypersensitivity reactions to iron sucrose are reported to occur in less than 0.1% of patients. Anaphylactic reactions consisting of anaphylactic shock, loss of consciousness or collapse, bronchospasm with dyspnea, and/or convulsion have also been reported.
Serious hypotensive episodes have been reported in two patients following administration of iron sucrose at a dosage of 500 mg.
Between 1992 and February 2005, a total of 104 reports of anaphylactoid reactions including serious or life-threatening reactions have been collected in postmarketing spontaneous reporting worldwide based on estimated use in over 3.8 million patients.
Four U.S. trials involving the administration of iron sucrose to patients with HDD-CKD (n=1,151) included 130 (11%) patients who reportedly had a previous history of intravenous iron therapy and were reported to be intolerant, that is, precluded from further use of that iron product. Following administration of iron sucrose, it was reported that none of these patients had an adverse reaction that would preclude them from further use of iron sucrose.
Ocular
Ocular side effects associated with the use iron sucrose in the treatment of HDD-CKD have included conjunctivitis (0.4%).
Ocular side effects associated with the use iron sucrose in the treatment of PDD-CKD have included conjunctivitis (2.7%).
More resources:
Venofer - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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