Sucroferric oxyhydroxide

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a phosphate binder that helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) caused by elevated phosphorus.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is used to control phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not use sucroferric oxyhydroxide if you are allergic to it.

To make sure sucroferric oxyhydroxide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis);
• liver disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery; or
• if you take thyroid replacement medicine (levothyroxine, Synthroid, and others).

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is not expected to harm an unborn or nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

If you also take an antibiotic called doxycycline, take it at least 1 hour before you take sucroferric oxyhydroxide.

Other drugs may interact with sucroferric oxyhydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is part of the drug class:

• Drugs for treatment of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide works best if you take it with meals.

The chewable tablet must be chewed or crushed before you swallow it.

While using sucroferric oxyhydroxide, you may need frequent blood tests.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Contraindications

• Manufacturer states none.1

Warnings/Precautions

Digestive System and Iron Accumulation Disorders

Studies did not include patients with peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis, clinically important gastric or hepatic disorders, prior major GI surgery, or history of hemochromatosis or other diseases associated with iron accumulation.1 Monitor effects of sucroferric oxyhydroxide, as well as iron homeostasis, in such patients.1

Specific Populations

Category B.1

Effects on labor and delivery not known.1

Absorption of iron from sucroferric oxyhydroxide is minimal; manufacturer states drug is unlikely to distribute into breast milk.1

Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years of age.1 2 4

No overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.1

Common Adverse Effects

Diarrhea,1 2 4 discolored feces,1 2 3 nausea.1 4

In the U.S.

• Velphoro

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet, Chewable

Therapeutic Class: Phosphate Binder

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• Phosphate Binder

Levothyroxine: Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide may decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Avoid the use of oral/enteral levothyroxine and sucroferric oxyhydroxide in combination. No interaction is anticipated with parenteral levothyroxine administration. Avoid combination

Tetracycline Derivatives: Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide may decrease the serum concentration of Tetracycline Derivatives. Management: Administer oral/enteral doxycycline at least 1 h before sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Specific dose separation guidelines for other tetracyclines are not presently available. No interaction is anticipated with parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Consider therapy modification

Serum phosphorus levels