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Overview: Auryxia is used to treat high phosphate levels and iron deficiency anemia in certain people. Common side effects include change in stool color, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cough, stomach pain, and high potassium levels. Keep Auryxia out of the reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron products is a leading cause of poisonings in children. Some of these poisonings can lead to death.

Uses

What is Auryxia used for?

Auryxia (ferric citrate) is commonly used to treat certain people with the following conditions.

Auryxia may also be taken for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Auryxia work (mechanism of action)?

Auryxia helps lower high phosphate levels by attaching to phosphate in your stomach so your body absorbs less phosphorus. It helps with iron deficiency anemia by adding more iron to your body.

How is Auryxia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Auryxia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 210 mg oral tablets

How should I store Auryxia?

Auryxia 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. Protect from moisture. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Auryxia?

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

  • Change in poop color
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cough
  • Stomach pain
  • High potassium levels

There may be other side effects of Auryxia 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 Auryxia?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Auryxia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Auryxia 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 Auryxia?

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

  • Auryxia
  • Ferric citrate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Iron Overload. People with hemochromatosis or other conditions where you have too much iron in your body should not take Auryxia. 

What should I know about Auryxia before using it?

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

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

Auryxia should be taken with meals. Do not chew or crush Auryxia tablets. This can cause changes in the color of your teeth and mouth. Auryxia should be swallowed whole.

Auryxia can affect the absorption of other medicines. Talk with your health care provider about the best way to take other medicines while taking Auryxia. See the Interactions section for more details.

Accidental iron overdoses can lead to death, especially in children younger than 6 years. Keep Auryxia out of the reach of children. Get emergency help if a child swallows Auryxia. 

Your health care provider will likely go for blood tests before starting Auryxia and while you are taking it. This is to monitor your treatment and make sure the medicine is safe and working for you.

It is normal for your poop to look darker while taking Auryxia. Oral iron can do this. If you have any concerns, contact your health care provider.

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

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 Auryxia is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Auryxia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Auryxia, 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 Auryxia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Auryxia passes 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 Auryxia while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Auryxia?

For more information about Auryxia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.auryxia.com or call them at 617-871-2098. 

Interactions

Does Auryxia interact with foods or drinks?

Auryxia should be taken with meals. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Auryxia, but both Auryxia and alcohol can upset your stomach. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. 

Does Auryxia 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 Auryxia.

  • A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, others), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or ofloxacin (Floxin), which is a medicine used to treat certain infections
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), or sarecycline (Seysara), which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions

Auryxia may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Auryxia. Always check with your health care provider.

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 Auryxia?

If you or someone else has taken too much Auryxia, 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 Auryxia?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.