Iron sucrose (Intravenous)
Generic name: iron sucrose [ EYE-urn-SOO-krose ]
Brand name: Venofer
Drug class: Iron products
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.
Uses for iron sucrose
Iron sucrose injection is an iron replacement product that is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (not enough iron in the blood) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. When the body does not get enough iron, it cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you in good health. This condition is called iron deficiency (iron shortage) or iron deficiency anemia.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using iron sucrose
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of iron sucrose injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of iron sucrose injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving iron sucrose injection.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
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
- Magnesium Sulfate
- 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.
- Delafloxacin
- Minocycline
- Zinc
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. 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 may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Phytic Acid Containing Food
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.
- Iron overload—Use is not recommended in patients with this condition.
Proper use of iron sucrose
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
Related/similar drugs
ferrous sulfate, FeroSul, Venofer, Infed
Precautions while using iron sucrose
It is very important that your doctor check you closely while you are receiving this medicine. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. You may also need to monitor your blood pressure at home. If you notice any changes to your normal blood pressure, call your doctor right away.
This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, trouble breathing, or chest pain after you receive the medicine.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin using this medicine, or when the dose is increased.
Side Effects of iron sucrose
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.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Venofer
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Parenteral Mineral-Trace Mineral
More about iron sucrose
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (45)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: iron products
- Breastfeeding
- En español
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