Venofer

Venofer Drug Information

• Venofer Overview

  This medicine is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease. You may need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may also need more iron if you use the drug erythropoietin to help make new red blood cells. Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to transport oxygen in the body. Many patients with kidney disease cannot get enough iron from food and require injections.

• How to Use Venofer

  Venofer is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. It is usually given slowly over 2 to 5 minutes or as directed by your doctor. Iron sucrose can also be mixed in a saline solution and given through an IV over a longer time. Your dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Your doctor will do laboratory tests to monitor your response. (See also Notes section.) If you are using Venofer at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check Venofer visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

• Venofer Precautions

  Before using iron sucrose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Venofer may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Venofer should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Venofer passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Venofer Misdose

  For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of Venofer as directed. If you miss a dose of Venofer, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Venofer Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.vitamin products, other iron-containing products.

• Venofer Side Effects

  What are Venofer side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Venofer may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Venofer as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Venofer

  The side effects of Venofer may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Venofer. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Venofer may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Venofer, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Venofer.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Venofer, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Venofer and the side effects associated with Venofer are described in the following:

  Common Venofer Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • cramps
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Venofer Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypervolemia
  • hypertension
  • hypotension
  • upper respiratory infection
  • edema
  • peripheral edema
  • chest pain

  Less Severe

  • arthralgias
  • back pain
  • myalgias
  • conjunctivitis
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • general weakness
  • pain
  • dysgeusia
  • cough
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • earache
  • injection site sequelae

  Rare or Very Rare Venofer Side Effects

  Severe

  • bacterial sepsis
  • chronic heart failure
  • unconsciousness
  • syncope
  • seizure disorder
  • angioedema
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • skin rash
  • dyspnea
  • anaphylaxis
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • bradycardia
  • shock
  • arthritis

  Less Severe

  • pruritus of skin
  • acute confusion
  • hyperhidrosis
  • urine discoloration

• Venofer Storage

  Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Venofer when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.