From the Guidelines
To order a Venofer infusion, the recommended dose is 200 mg with a maximum single dose of 200 mg and a maximum weekly dose of 500 mg, administered intravenously over 15 minutes for hemodialysis patients or 30 minutes for non-dialysis patients, as per the guidelines outlined in the Kidney International study 1. When ordering a Venofer infusion, it is essential to consider the patient's iron deficiency diagnosis and lab values, as well as their renal function and dialysis status. The dosing regimen may vary depending on the patient's specific needs and medical history.
- Key considerations for Venofer infusion include:
- Dose: 200 mg, with a maximum single dose of 200 mg and a maximum weekly dose of 500 mg 1
- Administration: intravenously over 15 minutes for hemodialysis patients or 30 minutes for non-dialysis patients 1
- Monitoring: for hypersensitivity reactions, which can occur during infusion, and periodic monitoring of iron levels to assess response and prevent iron overload
- Potential side effects of Venofer infusion include hypotension, cramps, nausea, headache, and injection site reactions, which should be carefully monitored and managed by the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider should write the order specifying the dose, dilution, infusion rate, and frequency, and ensure that the patient is observed for at least 30 minutes following the infusion to monitor for any adverse reactions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Ordering Venofer Infusion
To order a Venofer infusion, the following steps can be considered:
- Determine the patient's iron deficiency status and medical history to ensure Venofer is the appropriate treatment option 2, 3, 4.
- Calculate the total dose of Venofer required based on the patient's weight and iron deficiency severity 4, 5.
- Administer Venofer via intravenous infusion, which can be given by IV push over 5 minutes or IV infusion over 15 to 30 minutes 5.
- Monitor the patient's vital signs and adverse events during and after the infusion 5.
Key Considerations
- Venofer is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for iron deficiency anemia in patients who cannot take or do not respond to oral iron therapy 2, 4.
- The safety and efficacy of Venofer have been established in various patient populations, including those with chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer 2, 3.
- Venofer can be administered without a test dose in patients sensitive to iron dextran 5.
Patient Monitoring
- Regularly monitor the patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels to assess the efficacy of Venofer treatment 4, 5.
- Be aware of potential adverse events, such as hypotension, constipation, and allergic reactions, although these are generally rare and manageable 6, 5.