Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide)

Phosphate Binder Agents Oral Tablet,Chewable

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a phosphate binder used to reduce the intestinal absorption of phosphates.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a phosphate binder used to reduce the intestinal absorption of phosphates. In the aqueous environment of the GI tract, phosphate binding occurs by ligand exchange between hydroxyl groups and/or water in sucroferric oxyhydroxide and phosphate in the diet. Bound phosphate is excreted in feces.

Serum phosphorus concentrations and calcium-phosphorus product are reduced as a result of reduced dietary phosphate absorption.

In vitro studies have demonstrated a high phosphate-binding capacity of sucroferric oxyhydroxide over the physiologically relevant pH range of 1.2-7.5. Peak phosphate-binding capacity of sucroferric oxyhydroxide, resulting in adsorption of 96% of available phosphate (phosphorus:iron concentration ratio of 0.4:1), was observed at pH 2.5.

Polynuclear iron(III)-oxyhydroxide, the active moiety of sucroferric oxyhydroxide, is practically insoluble and is not absorbed or metabolized. However, its degradation product, mononuclear iron species, can be released from the surface of polynuclear iron(III)-oxyhydroxide and can be absorbed. Following oral administration of radiolabled sucroferric oxyhydroxide (2 g of iron in 1 day), median uptake of radiolabeled iron in the blood on day 21 was 0.04% in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 0.43% in healthy individuals with low iron stores (serum ferritin concentration less than 100 mcg/L).

The manufacturer states that no pharmacokinetic studies can be performed because of the insolubility and degradation properties of sucroferric oxyhydroxide. The sucrose and starch components of sucroferric oxyhydroxide can be digested to absorbable sugars: sucrose to glucose and fructose, and starch to maltose and glucose. Each tablet containing 500 mg of iron provides 1.4 g of carbohydrates.

Age, sex, race, or dialysis modality do not affect the efficacy of sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide does not substantially affect serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), and vitamin (A, D, E and K) concentrations. Following one year of sucroferric oxyhydroxide therapy, accumulation of iron has not been observed.

USES: Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is used to lower high blood phosphate levels in people who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide contains a form of iron which is not absorbed by your body. It works by binding to phosphate in your diet. The phosphate then passes out of your body in your stool.

Generic name: sucroferric oxyhydroxide
Pronunciation: (SOO-kroe-FER-ik OX-ee-hye-DROX-ide)
Drug class: Phosphate Binder Agents
Therapeutic class: Genitourinary Therapy

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Velphoro:

  • Renal Osteodystrophy With Hyperphosphatemia

Also known as: Renal Osteodystrophy With Hyperphospheremia.

Dosing

Dosage of sucroferric oxyhydroxide is expressed in terms of elemental iron. Each tablet of the drug contains 500 mg of iron (equivalent to 2.5 g of sucroferric oxyhydroxide).

The recommended initial dosage of sucroferric oxyhydroxide for the reduction of hyperphosphatemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing dialysis is 500 mg of iron 3 times daily.

Serum phosphorus concentrations should be monitored and dosage should be titrated as often as weekly in decrements or increments of 500 mg daily as needed, until target serum phosphorus concentrations are attained; phosphorus concentrations should be monitored regularly thereafter. In clinical studies, the average sucroferric oxyhydroxide dosage required to control serum phosphorus concentrations was 1.5-2 g of iron daily. The highest dosage used in a phase 3 clinical study in patients with end-stage renal disease was 3 g daily.

Drug interactions

For most oral drugs, empiric data concerning the avoidance of interactions with sucroferric oxyhydroxide are not available. If a reduction in bioavailability of the concomitantly used agent would have a clinically important effect on its safety or efficacy, administration of the 2 drugs at different times should be considered. The spacing of the doses is dependent upon absorption characteristics of the concomitantly used drug (e.g., time to peak plasma concentration, formulation (i.e., immediate release or extended release)). Clinicians should consider monitoring clinical responses and/or blood concentrations of any concomitantly used drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

Contraindications

The manufacturer states that there are no contraindications to the use of sucroferric oxyhydroxide.

Adverse reactions

Adverse events reported in more than 5% of patients receiving sucroferric oxyhydroxide include diarrhea, discolored feces, and nausea.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Renal osteodystrophy with hyperphosphatemia
N25.0ICD10CMRenal osteodystrophy

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data