Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is a medication used to control serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis [1].
What other iron-based phosphate binders are available?
Besides Velphoro, other iron-based phosphate binders include:
* Ferrein (ferric citrate): This is another oral iron-based phosphate binder approved for the same indication as Velphoro [2].
* Auryxia (ferric citrate): Also known as ferric citrate, this medication is used for hyperphosphatemia in adult patients with CKD on dialysis [3].
How do non-iron phosphate binders compare?
Patients may also use phosphate binders that do not contain iron. These include:
* Calcium-based binders: Examples include calcium acetate and calcium carbonate. These are often a first-line treatment due to their effectiveness and lower cost, but they carry a risk of calcium accumulation, which can lead to vascular and soft tissue calcification [4].
* Sevelamer: This is a non-calcium, non-iron binder that works by binding to phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract. It is available as sevelamer hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate [4].
What are the potential side effects of Velphoro and its alternatives?
Velphoro's most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dark stools [1].
Side effects for other phosphate binders vary:
* Ferrein/Auryxia (ferric citrate): May cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dark stools [2, 3].
* Calcium-based binders: Can lead to hypercalcemia, constipation, and nausea [4].
* Sevelamer: Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain [4].
When does patent protection for Velphoro expire?
Information on Velphoro's specific patent expiry dates is available through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [5]. DrugPatentWatch tracks patent lifecycles for pharmaceuticals, including expiry dates and patent litigation, which can influence the availability of generic alternatives [5].