Venofer Side Effects

Generic name: iron sucrose

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about iron sucrose. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Venofer.

Applies to iron sucrose: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of Venofer

Along with its needed effects, iron sucrose (the active ingredient contained in Venofer) 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 while taking iron sucrose:

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

Other side effects of Venofer

Some side effects of iron sucrose 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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to iron sucrose: intravenous solution.

General

Symptoms associated with total dosage or infusing too rapidly include hypotension, dyspnea, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, joint aches, paresthesia, abdominal and muscle pain, edema, and cardiovascular collapse; these symptoms have occurred up to 30 minutes after administration.

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (39.4%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, arteriovenous fistula thrombosis

Postmarketing reports: Collapse, bradycardia, shock^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Muscle cramp (29.4%)

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain, myalgia, pain in extremity

Postmarketing reports: Swelling of the joints^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (14.7%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (12.6%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Frequency not reported: Paresthesia

Postmarketing reports: Convulsions, light-headedness, loss of consciousness^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Cough, dyspnea, nasal congestion

Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm^[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain or burning, extravasation

Frequency not reported: Injection site discoloration (after extravasation)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, angioedema

Postmarketing reports: Hyperhidrosis^[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis, infections (nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis), respiratory tract viral infection, peritonitis

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Ear pain, asthenia, chest pain, feeling abnormal, peripheral edema, pyrexia, graft complication

Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Fluid overload, gout, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic-type reactions^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Postmarketing reports: Chromaturia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Postmarketing reports: Confusion

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer