Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Iron Sucrose
Other Names: Venofer
Drug Class: Vitamins
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Venofer? (Back to top)
IRON SUCROSE is an iron complex. Iron is used to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This medicine is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with chronic kidney disease. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia not caused by low iron levels
• heart disease
• high levels of iron in the blood
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• deferoxamine
• dimercaprol
• other iron products

• chloramphenicol
• deferasirox

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in blood pressure
• cough
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever or chills
• flushing, sweating, or hot feelings
• joint or muscle aches/pains
• seizures
• swelling of the ankles or feet
• unusually weak or tired

• diarrhea
• feeling achy
• headache
• irritation at site where injected
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or healthcare professional regularly. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to follow a special diet. Talk to your doctor. Foods that contain iron include: whole grains/cereals, dried fruits, beans, or peas, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats (liver, kidney).

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 22, 2008

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