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Velphoro is taken to lower phosphorus levels. Common side effects include discolored stool (poop), nausea, and diarrhea. It is important to take Velphoro with meals. It may not work as well if you do not take it with food. Keep all appointments, even those for lab tests, while you are taking this medicine. Velphoro is available as a tablet that is chewed and swallowed.

Uses

What is Velphoro used for?

Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is commonly used to control phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. People with chronic kidney disease often have increased phosphorus levels, and Velphoro helps manage this condition.

Velphoro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Velphoro work (mechanism of action)?

Velphoro is a phosphate binder. It works in your gut by attaching to phosphorus from things you eat and drink. This reduces the amount of phosphorus you absorb. Phosphorus is then eliminated when you poop. This helps lower phosphorus levels.

How is Velphoro supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Velphoro

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg chewable tablets

How should I store Velphoro?

Velphoro should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect it from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Velphoro?

The most common side effects of Velphoro are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Discolored stool (poop)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Velphoro that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Velphoro?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Velphoro are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Velphoro may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Velphoro and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Velphoro?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Velphoro.

  • Sucroferric oxyhydroxide
  • Velphoro
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Velphoro.

What should I know about Velphoro before using it?

Do not take Velphoro unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Velphoro with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Velphoro out of the reach of children.

Velphoro is a chewable tablet. Chew or crush the tablet before swallowing it. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Velphoro may stain your teeth. Talk to your health care provider if this is a concern.

Your health care provider will likely monitor your blood tests while you are taking Velphoro. Keep all appointments with your health care provider and for blood tests. Your health care provider will tell you if and when you need to adjust your dose of Velphoro.

Velphoro may cause stools (poop) to appear discolored, typically black. This is normal and should not cause concern.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Velphoro?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Velphoro is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis
  • Stomach or intestinal problems or major surgeries
  • Liver problems
  • Hemochromatosis or other conditions related to having too much iron in the body

Other Medicines and Supplements. Velphoro may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Velphoro, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Velphoro could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Velphoro while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Velphoro is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Velphoro while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Velphoro?

For more information about Velphoro, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.velphoro.com or call them at 800-323-5188.

Interactions

Does Velphoro interact with foods or drinks?

Velphoro should be taken with meals. It may not work as well if it is not taken with meals, as it works by binding phosphorus from things you eat and drink.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Velphoro.

Does Velphoro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Velphoro.

  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Cephalexin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Doxycycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid and others), which is a medicine used to raise thyroid hormone levels 
  • Alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax), which is a medicine commonly used for osteoporosis
  • Paricalcitol (Zemplar), which is a medicine used to lower parathyroid hormone levels

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Velphoro. Velphoro may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Velphoro?

If you or someone else has taken too much Velphoro, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Velphoro?

If you miss one or more doses of Velphoro, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose with your next meal. Do not take double or extra doses.