Sucroferric oxyhydroxide

Clinical data
Trade names Velphoro
AHFS/Drugs.com Consumer Drug Information
  • US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Oral (chewable tablets)
Identifiers
V03AE05
Chemical data
Formula Varies

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (trade name Velphoro, by Vifor Pharma) is a phosphate binding drug used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. It is used in form of chewable tablets.[1]

Chemistry and mechanism of action

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a mixture of iron(III) oxide-hydroxide, sucrose and starch. It binds phosphate in the gut by ligand exchange with hydroxy groups and water. Consequently, less phosphate is absorbed into the blood, and blood phosphate levels drop.[1]

Adverse effects

Common adverse effects include dark-coloured stool (which is a harmless effect of the iron), an unpleasant taste, diarrhoea and nausea. Side effects usually alleviate during prolonged therapy. Allergic reactions have also been described.[1][2]

Interactions

Absorption of drugs that form chelate complexes with iron is likely inhibited by sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Examples of such drugs are bisphosphonates and tetracycline antibiotics.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 H. Spreitzer (21 July 2014). "Neue Wirkstoffe – Sucroferrioxyhydroxid". Österreichische Apothekerzeitung (in German) (15/2014): 25.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Consumer Drug Information for sucroferric oxyhydroxide.