Velphoro

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Velphoro

Classes

Injectable Iron Supplements
Iron Supplements
Mineral Binding Agents
Oral Iron Supplements

Administration
Oral Administration Oral Solid Formulations

Chewable tablets
Chew or crush before swallowing; do not swallow whole.
Take with meals. No additional fluid above the amount usually taken by the patient is required.
If 1 or more doses are missed, resume the medication with the next meal. Do not attempt to replace a missed dose.

Injectable Administration

Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
The dosage of iron sucrose is expressed in mg of elemental iron.
Each mL contains 20 mg of elemental iron.
Do not mix iron sucrose with other medications or TPN solution.
Prior to and at regular intervals during parenteral iron therapy, evaluate serum iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Ferritin and transferrin are also recommended monitoring parameters.
Administer early during a hemodialysis session (generally within the first hour).
Storage: Discard any unused portions; contains no preservatives.[44801]

Intravenous Administration

Slow Intravenous Injection
No dilution necessary.
In adults, a 100 to 200 mg dose may be given undiluted (into the dialysis line for hemodialysis patients) over 2 to 5 minutes.
In pediatric patients, the maintenance dose may be given undiluted over 5 minutes.
Storage: When stored undiluted in a plastic syringe, solution is stable for 7 days at controlled room temperature (25 +/- 2 degrees C) and under refrigeration (4 +/- 2 degrees C).
 
Intravenous Infusion
May be administered by IV infusion (into the dialysis line for hemodialysis patients). This may reduce the risk of hypotensive episodes.
For doses of 100 or 200 mg (adults): Dilute in a maximum of 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection and infuse over a period of at least 15 minutes.
For doses of 300 to 500 mg (adults): Dilute in a maximum of 250 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Per FDA-approved labeling, infuse doses of 300 mg over a period of 1.5 hours; infuse doses of 400 mg over 2.5 hours. During clinical experiences, doses of 500 mg have been administered over 3.5 to 4 hours.
In pediatric patients, maintenance dose may be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection at a concentration of 1 to 2 mg/mL and administered over 5 to 60 minutes. Do not dilute to concentrations less than 1 mg/mL.
Storage: When diluted at a concentration of 2 to 10 mg/mL elemental iron and stored in a plastic syringe, solution is stable for 7 days at controlled room temperature (25 +/- 2 degrees C) and under refrigeration (4 +/- 2 degrees C). When added to IV infusion bags (PVC or non-PVC) containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection at a concentration of 1 to 2 mg/mL elemental iron, solution is stable for 7 days at controlled room temperature (25 +/- 2 degrees C).

Adverse Reactions
Severe

heart failure / Delayed / 1.0
anaphylactoid reactions / Rapid / Incidence not known
anaphylactic shock / Rapid / Incidence not known
angioedema / Rapid / Incidence not known
bradycardia / Rapid / Incidence not known
seizures / Delayed / Incidence not known
bronchospasm / Rapid / Incidence not known

Moderate

hypotension / Rapid / 2.0-39.4
hypertension / Early / 2.1-8.0
peripheral edema / Delayed / 2.6-7.2
chest pain (unspecified) / Early / 1.4-6.1
dyspnea / Early / 1.3-5.8
hypoglycemia / Early / 0.4-4.0
hypervolemia / Delayed / 1.3-3.0
gout / Delayed / 2.9-2.9
hyperglycemia / Delayed / 2.9-2.9
conjunctivitis / Delayed / 0.4-2.7
edema / Delayed / Incidence not known
hemosiderosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
confusion / Early / Incidence not known

Mild

muscle cramps / Delayed / 0.7-29.4
diarrhea / Early / 5.2-24.0
stool discoloration / Delayed / 12.0-16.0
sinusitis / Delayed / 2.2-16.0
infection / Delayed / 2.2-16.0
pharyngitis / Delayed / 2.2-16.0
nausea / Early / 5.3-14.7
headache / Early / 2.9-12.6
vomiting / Early / 5.0-9.1
dysgeusia / Early / 0.9-7.9
dizziness / Early / 1.3-6.5
injection site reaction / Rapid / 2.2-5.8
fever / Early / 0.7-4.0
abdominal pain / Early / 1.4-4.0
arthralgia / Delayed / 1.4-4.0
cough / Delayed / 1.3-4.0
pruritus / Rapid / 2.2-3.9
myalgia / Early / 1.3-3.6
asthenia / Delayed / 0.7-2.7
back pain / Delayed / 1.3-2.2
nasal congestion / Early / 1.3-1.4
rash / Early / Incidence not known
hyperhidrosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
constipation / Delayed / Incidence not known
musculoskeletal pain / Early / Incidence not known
paresthesias / Delayed / Incidence not known
tooth discoloration / Delayed / Incidence not known

Common Brand Names

Velphoro, Venofer

Dea Class

Rx

Description

IV iron supplement and oral phosphate binder
Used IV for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and orally for control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis
Can cause serious, even fatal, hypersensitivity reactions when administered IV; although less likely to cause hypersensitivity than iron dextran, facilities for cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be available during dosing

Dosage And Indications
For the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
NOTE: The dosage of iron sucrose is expressed in mg of elemental iron. Each mL contains 20 mg of elemental iron.
For the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in patients with hemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Intravenous dosage Adults

100 mg IV per consecutive hemodialysis session. The usual total treatment course is 1,000 mg. Treatment may be repeated if iron deficiency recurs.

Children and Adolescents 2 to 17 years

Dosing for iron replacement treatment in pediatric patients is not established. For iron maintenance treatment, 0.5 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) IV every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Treatment may be repeated if necessary.

For the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in patients with peritoneal dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Intravenous dosage Adults

300 mg IV on days 1 and 14 and 400 mg IV on day 28 for a cumulative dose of 1,000 mg. Treatment may be repeated if iron deficiency recurs.

Children and Adolescents 2 to 17 years

Dosing for iron replacement treatment in pediatric patients is not established. For iron maintenance treatment, 0.5 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) IV every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Treatment may be repeated if necessary.

For the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Intravenous dosage Adults

200 mg IV on 5 different days within a 14-day period for a cumulative dose of 1,000 mg. There is limited experience with 500 mg IV on days 1 and 14. Treatment may be repeated if iron deficiency recurs.

Children and Adolescents 2 to 17 years

Dosing for iron replacement treatment in pediatric patients is not established. For iron maintenance treatment, 0.5 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) IV every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Treatment may be repeated if necessary.

For the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Oral dosage Adults

Initially, 500 mg PO 3 times daily with meals. To maximize the dietary phosphate binding, the total daily dose should be divided across the meals of the day. Monitor serum phosphorus concentration, and at weekly intervals, titrate the dose by 500 mg per day as needed until an acceptable serum phosphorus concentration (5.5 mg/dL or less) is reached; continue monitoring regularly. Patients enrolled in clinical studies generally required an average of 1,500 to 2,000 mg/day PO to control serum phosphorus concentration. The maximum daily dosage evaluated in a phase 3 trial in end stage renal disease patients was 3,000 mg/day PO.

For the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS)†. Intravenous dosage Children and Adolescents

3 to 6 mg/kg/dose (Max: 120 mg/dose) IV may be considered if at least 3 months of oral iron treatment has not provided adequate benefit or an appreciable rise in serum ferritin concentrations (target serum ferritin = 50 mcg/L or more), has been discontinued due to intolerance, or a significant comorbidity exists that will impair oral iron absorption. Administer in an infusion center with pediatric experience. Reassess iron and clinical status after 8 to 12 weeks.

†Indicates off-label use

Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic disease should receive IV iron sucrose with caution. The liver is one of the main storage sites for iron, and some patients with chronic liver disease may have excessive iron storage. Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments are not available.

Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustments are not necessary.
 
Intermittent hemodialysis
Before supplementing hemodialysis patients with iron, a diagnosis of absolute or functional iron deficiency should be made. Follow recommended dosage for IV iron sucrose in hemodialysis patients. IV iron sucrose is not dialyzable.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Alendronate: (Moderate) Separate administration of alendronate and iron supplements by at least 30 minutes. Iron will interfere with the absorption of alendronate.
Alendronate; Cholecalciferol: (Moderate) Separate administration of alendronate and iron supplements by at least 30 minutes. Iron will interfere with the absorption of alendronate.
Aspirin, ASA: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Dipyridamole: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Baloxavir Marboxil: (Major) Do not administer baloxavir with products that contain oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Polyvalent cations, such as iron, can chelate with baloxavir, reducing its absorption.
Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Butalbital; Aspirin; Caffeine; Codeine: (Moderate) Administer aspirin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, leading to decreased absorption.
Cephalexin: (Moderate) Administer cephalexin at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts may reduce the bioavailability of cephalexin, leading to decreased absorption.
Demeclocycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Dimercaprol: (Contraindicated) Dimercaprol forms toxic chelates with iron. These dimercaprol-iron complexes are more toxic than the metal alone, especially to the kidneys. Do not administer iron during dimercaprol treatment. Therapy with iron should generally be delayed until 24 hours after the cessation of dimercaprol therapy.
Doxycycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Enteral Feedings: (Minor) Ferrous sulfate elixir has an acidic pH and has been reported to form precipitates with enteral feedings and may clog feeding tubes.
Erdafitinib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of iron sucrose; sucroferric oxyhydroxide with erdafitinib before the initial dose increase period (days 14 to 21) which is based on serum phosphate levels. Iron sucrose; sucroferric oxyhydroxide decreases serum phosphate levels. The initial dose increase of erdafitinib on days 14 to 21 is based on serum phosphate levels; changes in serum phosphate levels by iron sucrose; sucroferric oxyhydroxide may interfere with the determination of this initial dose increase.
Food: (Major) For better iron absorption, administer iron salts 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If GI irritation occurs, the iron supplement may be administered with meals. However, where possible, avoid administering coffee, tea, or dairy products within 1 hour before or 2 hours after giving iron.
Iron: (Major) Parenteral iron formulas are generally only indicated for use in patients with documented iron deficiency in whom oral administration is either impossible or unsatisfactory. In general, do not administer parenteral iron concomitantly with other iron preparations (e.g., other parenteral iron products or oral iron supplements). Parenteral iron preparations (e.g., iron dextran; iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide; sodium ferric gluconate complex; ferric carboxymaltose; ferumoxytol) may reduce the absorption of concomitantly administered oral iron preparations. Oral iron supplementation should be discontinued before parenteral administration of iron. Too much iron can be toxic, and iron is not easily eliminated from the body.
Levothyroxine: (Moderate) Administer oral thyroid hormones at least 4 hours before or after oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts have been reported to chelate oral thyroid hormones within the GI tract when administered simultaneously, leading to decreased thyroid hormone absorption. Some case reports have described clinical hypothyroidism resulting from coadministration of thyroid hormones with oral iron supplements.
Levothyroxine; Liothyronine (Porcine): (Moderate) Administer oral thyroid hormones at least 4 hours before or after oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts have been reported to chelate oral thyroid hormones within the GI tract when administered simultaneously, leading to decreased thyroid hormone absorption. Some case reports have described clinical hypothyroidism resulting from coadministration of thyroid hormones with oral iron supplements.
Levothyroxine; Liothyronine (Synthetic): (Moderate) Administer oral thyroid hormones at least 4 hours before or after oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts have been reported to chelate oral thyroid hormones within the GI tract when administered simultaneously, leading to decreased thyroid hormone absorption. Some case reports have described clinical hypothyroidism resulting from coadministration of thyroid hormones with oral iron supplements.
Liothyronine: (Moderate) Administer oral thyroid hormones at least 4 hours before or after oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts have been reported to chelate oral thyroid hormones within the GI tract when administered simultaneously, leading to decreased thyroid hormone absorption. Some case reports have described clinical hypothyroidism resulting from coadministration of thyroid hormones with oral iron supplements.
Minocycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Omadacycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Paricalcitol: (Moderate) According to the manufacturer of oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide an interaction was seen with paricalcitol in in vitro studies. Consider separating the administration of the two drugs and monitor for clinical response to paricalcitol.
Sarecycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Tetracycline: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Tetracyclines: (Moderate) Divalent or trivalent cations readily chelate with tetracycline antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds. The oral absorption of tetracyclines will be significantly reduced by orally administered compounds that contain iron salts. To minimize the potential for this interaction, administer tetracycline antibiotics at least 1 hour before oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
Thyroid hormones: (Moderate) Administer oral thyroid hormones at least 4 hours before or after oral iron sucrose, sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Oral iron salts have been reported to chelate oral thyroid hormones within the GI tract when administered simultaneously, leading to decreased thyroid hormone absorption. Some case reports have described clinical hypothyroidism resulting from coadministration of thyroid hormones with oral iron supplements.
Trientine: (Major) In general, oral mineral supplements should not be given since they may block the oral absorption of trientine. However, iron deficiency may develop, especially in children and menstruating or pregnant women, or as a result of the low copper diet recommended for Wilson's disease. If necessary, iron may be given in short courses, but since iron and trientine each inhibit oral absorption of the other, 2 hours should elapse between administration of trientine and iron doses.

How Supplied

Iron Sucrose/Venofer Intravenous Inj Sol
Velphoro Oral Tab Chew: 500mg

Maximum Dosage
Adults

500 mg/dose IV has been administered on 2 consecutive days in patients with chronic kidney disease. Up to 3,000 mg/day PO has been studied in patients with end stage renal disease.

Geriatric

500 mg/dose IV has been administered on 2 consecutive days in patients with chronic kidney disease. Up to 3,000 mg/day PO has been studied in patients with end stage renal disease.

Adolescents

0.5 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) IV for iron maintenance; 6 mg/kg/dose (Max: 120 mg/dose) IV has been recommended for off-label treatment of restless leg syndrome. Safety and efficacy of iron sucrose chewable tablets have not been established.

Children

2 to 12 years: 0.5 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) IV for iron maintenance; 6 mg/kg/dose (Max: 120 mg/dose) IV has been recommended for off-label treatment of restless leg syndrome. Safety and efficacy of iron sucrose chewable tablets have not been established.
1 year: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Infants

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mechanism Of Action

IV Iron Sucrose
Normal erythropoiesis depends on the concentration of iron and erythropoietin available in the plasma, both being decreased in renal failure. Exogenous administration of erythropoietin increases red blood cell production and iron utilization, contributing to iron deficiency in hemodialysis patients. Intravenous iron has been used to treat the anemia associated with hemodialysis and may reduce the need for erythropoietin dosage by about 40%. Following IV administration of iron sucrose, the complex of polynuclear iron (III)-hydroxide in sucrose is dissociated into iron and sucrose by the reticuloendothelial system. In addition, a competitive exchange of iron takes place from the iron sucrose complex to the iron-binding protein transferrin. A therapeutic response to treatment with iron therapy is dependent upon the patient's iron stores and the ability to use the iron. Use of iron is influenced by the cause of the deficiency as well as other illnesses that can affect normal erythropoiesis. Protein-energy malnutrition can prevent the incorporation of iron into the erythrocyte regardless of the quantity of iron stored. Only when lean body mass expands will iron be used. Iron therapy alone does not increase red blood cell production. Administration of iron only improves anemia which is associated with iron deficiency.
Iron-containing proteins and enzymes are important in oxidation-reduction reactions, especially those of the mitochondria. Iron is a component of myoglobin and several heme-enzymes, including the cytochromes, catalase, and peroxidase. Iron is an essential component of the metalloflavoprotein enzymes and the mitochondrial enzyme alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase. Iron-containing proteins and enzymes are important in oxidation-reduction reactions, especially those of the mitochondria. Furthermore, iron is a cofactor for enzymes such as aconitase and tryptophan pyrrolase. Iron deficiency not only causes anemia and decreased oxygen delivery, but it also reduces the metabolism of muscle and decreases mitochondrial activity. Iron deficiency can also lead to defects in learning or thermoregulation. Thus iron is important to several metabolic functions which are independent of its importance to erythropoiesis.
 
Oral Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide
In the management of serum phosphorus concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease, oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a phosphate binder. Oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide binds dietary phosphate within the gastrointestinal tract via ligand exchange between hydroxyl groups and water in sucroferric oxyhydroxide and the phosphate in the diet. Bound phosphate is eliminated in the feces. As a result of reduced absorption of dietary phosphate, both serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product concentrations are reduced.[56601]

Pharmacokinetics

Iron sucrose is administered intravenously while sucroferric oxyhydroxide is administered orally. The dose of intravenous iron sucrose is individualized according to patient goals for serum iron levels, iron storage parameters (e.g., ferritin, transferrin saturation) and serum hemoglobin concentrations whereas the dose of oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide is guided by serum phosphorus. Iron toxicity may occur with excessive or unnecessary iron therapy. The absorption of iron from oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide is low, and the risk of systemic iron toxicity with the oral formulation is negligible. Systemic iron is stored in compounds called ferritin and hemosiderin, which are used for future production of hemoglobin. The absorption of iron depends upon the route of entry. The tissue that first clears parenterally administered iron from the bloodstream determines the bioavailability. If the reticuloendothelial system clears iron, only small amounts will be available over time to the bone marrow. Transferrin accepts iron from the intestinal tract or from sites of storage or hemoglobin destruction. Iron is then transported in plasma bound to transferrin and distributed to the bone marrow for hemoglobin synthesis, to the reticuloendothelial system for storage, to all cells for enzymes containing iron, and to placental cells if needed to meet fetal needs. Transferrin eventually becomes available for reuse. There is no destructive metabolism of iron because it takes place in a closed system. In normal adults, 90% of metabolized iron is conserved and reutilized repeatedly. Very little iron is eliminated. In normal, healthy adults, some daily loss of iron occurs through normal skin, hair, and nail loss, and GI losses. Menstruating women have an increased loss as do other persons with loss of blood.

Oral Route

The active moiety of oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide, polynuclear iron (III)-oxyhydroxide (pn-FeOOH), is essentially insoluble and therefore not absorbed or metabolized. The mononuclear iron species, a degradation product, can be released from the surface of pn-FeOOH and absorbed. The median uptake of radiolabeled iron in the blood on day 21 after administration of 2,000 mg oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide in 1 day was 0.04% in patients with chronic kidney disease compared with 0.43% in healthy subjects with low iron stores (serum ferritin less than 100 mcg/L). The sucrose and starch components of oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide can be digested to glucose and fructose, and maltose and glucose, respectively. These compounds can be absorbed into the blood. One tablet is equivalent to 1.4 g of carbohydrates.[56601]

Intravenous Route

In healthy adults receiving IV doses of iron sucrose, the iron component appears to distribute mainly in blood and to some extent in extravascular fluid. A significant amount of the administered iron distributes in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. The bone marrow is considered an iron trapping compartment and not a reversible volume of distribution. Following IV administration, iron sucrose is dissociated into iron and sucrose by the reticuloendothelial system. The sucrose component is eliminated primarily by urinary excretion (75.4% in 24 hours). Approximately 5% of the iron is excreted in the urine over 24 hours. In healthy adults treated with IV iron sucrose, the iron component exhibits linear kinetics with an elimination half-life of about 6 hours and a systemic clearance of 1.2 L/hour.[44801]

Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy

Fetal adverse reactions, including fetal bradycardia, have been associated with maternal hypersensitivity reactions, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Data with intravenous iron sucrose use during human pregnancy have not shown adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; however, reports of intravenous iron sucrose use in pregnant women during the first trimester are insufficient to assess the risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy because there are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.[44801] There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of oral sucroferric oxyhydroxide use in pregnant women; however, animal studies have not shown any evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm at doses up to 16 and 4 times, respectively, the human maximum recommended clinical dose. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is not absorbed systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.[56601]

Iron sucrose is present in human milk, and available data after exposure to 100 to 300 mg of intravenous iron sucrose have not reported adverse reactions in breast-fed infants. Limited data indicate iron found in breast milk is not increased after intravenous administration of iron sucrose. There are no data on the effects of iron sucrose on milk production. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother's clinical need for intravenous iron sucrose and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from intravenous iron sucrose or the underlying maternal condition. Monitor breastfed infants exposed to intravenous iron sucrose for gastrointestinal toxicity (i.e., constipation, diarrhea).[44801] [49198] [49199] Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is not absorbed systemically following oral administration and breast-feeding is not expected to result in exposure of the child to sucroferric oxyhydroxide.[56601]