Iron sucrose (injection)

Generic name: iron sucrose (injection) [ EYE-urn-SOO-krose ]
Brand name: Venofer
Dosage form: intravenous solution (20 mg/mL)
Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 17, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease.

Iron sucrose is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Iron sucrose is not for treating other forms of anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

Iron sucrose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iron sucrose side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching; feeling light-headed; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• problems with your dialysis vein access point;

• chest pain;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• low blood pressure--a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• signs of inflammation in the lining of your stomach--pain or swelling, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever.

Common side effects of iron sucrose may include:

• fever, cold or flu symptoms (sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing);

• high or low blood pressure;

• headache, dizziness;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• muscle or joint pain, back pain;

• pain or swelling in an arm or leg;

• itching; or

• bruising or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with iron sucrose if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an iron injection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• hemochromatosis or iron overload (the buildup of excess iron).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Iron sucrose can harm an unborn baby if you have a severe reaction to this medicine during your second or third trimester. However, not treating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating your condition during pregnancy may outweigh any risks.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea or constipation in the nursing baby.

How is iron sucrose given?

Iron sucrose is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine is sometimes given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 2.5 hours to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when iron sucrose is injected.

You will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

You will need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with iron sucrose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your iron sucrose injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using iron sucrose?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect iron sucrose?

Treatment with iron sucrose injections can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or other iron-based oral medications, such as:

• ferrous fumarate;

• ferrous gluconate; or

• ferrous sulfate, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iron sucrose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.