Venofer Injection Uses

Venofer is a type of iron supplement that is administered via injection. It is used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in situations where oral iron supplementation is either ineffective or not tolerated well by the patient.

The following are some common uses and indications of Venofer Injection

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Venofer injection is commonly used in individuals with chronic kidney disease, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. CKD can lead to anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and malabsorption, which can result in iron deficiency anemia. In such cases, Venofer injection may be recommended.
3. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Some women experience heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Venofer injection may be used when oral iron supplements are not effective or not tolerated.
4. Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions like celiac disease, atrophic gastritis, or gastric bypass surgery can impair the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract. Venofer injection may be prescribed in such cases.
5. Gynecological and Obstetric Conditions: Venofer injection can be used in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia, particularly in cases where oral iron is not sufficient to correct the deficiency.
6. Postoperative Anemia: After certain surgeries, particularly those involving the gastrointestinal tract, patients may experience anemia due to blood loss. Venofer injection may be used as part of postoperative management.
7. Cancer Treatment-Induced Anemia: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy can develop anemia. Venofer injection may be used to support their hemoglobin levels.

Off-label Uses of Venofer Injection

1. Heart Failure: Iron deficiency is common in individuals with heart failure and can contribute to worsening symptoms and exercise intolerance. The use of intravenous Venofer in these patients to improve their quality of life and functional capacity.
2. Chronic Diseases with Anemia: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease can be associated with anemia, and Venofer injections may be considered when oral iron is not effective.
3. Preoperative Optimization: In certain cases, particularly before major surgeries, Venofer injections may be used to rapidly correct iron deficiency anemia in order to improve patient outcomes.
4. Postpartum Anemia: After childbirth, some women may experience severe postpartum anemia, and Venofer injections may be used in cases where oral iron supplementation is insufficient.
5. Anemia in Neonates and Infants: While not as common as other forms of iron supplementation, Venofer injections have been used in neonates and infants with severe iron deficiency anemia.
6. Hematologic Disorders: In certain hematologic disorders where there is ongoing blood loss or impaired iron absorption, Venofer injections may be used to address iron deficiency.
7. Elderly Patients with Anemia: Elderly individuals with anemia may receive Venofer injections, especially if they have difficulty tolerating or absorbing oral iron supplements.

Venofer is one of the leading Injectable brands of Iron Sucrose, manufactured and marketed by RG Pharmaceutica (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

The following are Some alternative brands of Venofer and their manufacturers.

• Bisleri S : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Ferosoft-F : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Highfer : High-Q Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Clefer : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Irofit : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Lona : Horizon Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Cara-fer : Amarant Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Fermax : Cirin Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• G-Fer : Global Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Irose : Shaigan Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Venofer is available in Injection form.

Venofer Injection (5ml) : 20mg/ml strength.

Venofer injections should not be used in certain circumstances due to potential risks and interactions.

1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Iron Sucrose or any of the components of Venofer injection should not receive this medication.
2. Anaphylactic Reactions to Parenteral Iron Products: If a patient has experienced severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to parenteral (administered through injection) iron products in the past, Venofer injection should be avoided.
3. Hemochromatosis: Venofer injection is contraindicated in patients with hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by excessive iron absorption and storage in the body.
4. Hemosiderosis: Patients with hemosiderosis, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of iron in tissues, should not receive Venofer injection.
5. Hemolytic Anemia: Venofer injection should not be used in individuals with hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than they can be produced.
6. Patients Receiving Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs): In some cases, there may be increased risks of adverse events when Venofer is used in combination with ESAs. The decision to use both medications together should be carefully evaluated.
7. Severe or Uncontrolled Hypertension: Venofer injection should be used with caution in patients with severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
8. Severe Infections: Patients with active, severe infections may not be suitable candidates for Venofer injection.
9. Conditions with High Iron Levels: Conditions that already lead to high levels of iron in the body (such as primary hemochromatosis) are contraindications.
10. Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT): Venofer injection is contraindicated in patients with PCT, a rare condition affecting the skin and liver that is associated with an overload of iron.

Venofer Injection Initial Dose:

• For Patients Weighing 35 kg (77 lbs) or More: 200 mg of iron (2 Injections of Venofer) administered intravenously as an undiluted slow injection over at least 2 minutes.
• For Patients Weighing Less than 35 kg (77 lbs): 0.5 mg/kg of body weight (up to a maximum of 100 mg) administered intravenously as an undiluted slow injection over at least 2 minutes.

Venofer Injection Subsequent Doses:

• Additional doses may be administered based on the patient’s response and ongoing iron requirements.
• The interval between doses should be at least 7 days.

Venofer Injection Total Treatment Course:

• The total cumulative dose of Venofer should not exceed 1000mg of iron.

Administration Guidelines

• Venofer is administered as an intravenous injection, which means it is given directly into a vein.
• It should not be administered by rapid injection or as an IV push.
• Venofer should not be mixed with other medications or solutions in the same infusion bag or administered simultaneously through the same IV line.
• Prior to administration, Venofer should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration. Do not use it if any abnormalities are observed.
• Venofer can be given undiluted or diluted in a maximum of 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection.
• If diluted, it should be administered over a longer time period (e.g., up to 15 minutes).
• The infusion rate should be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance.
• During administration, patients should be monitored for any signs of allergic reactions or adverse effects.
• Patients should be observed for at least 30 minutes after the administration of Venofer.

Venofer works by replenishing iron stores in the body so that the body can make more red blood cells. Venofer injection is a complex of iron and sucrose. When it is injected into the bloodstream, the Venofer complex is dissociated into iron and sucrose. The iron is then transported as a complex with transferrin to target cells, including erythroid precursor cells. The iron is then incorporated into hemoglobin as the cells mature into red blood cells.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are low, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.