Take charge of phosphorus while on dialysis with fewer pills and more ways to take them
INGREDIENTS: POTATOES, SUNFLOWER OIL, AND/OR CORN OIL, SALT, SODIUM DIACETATE, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES, BUTTER, MILK POWDER, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WHEY, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, OLIVE OIL.
Sometimes phosphorus is listed on food labels. Sometimes it’s not. “Phosphorus” and “phosphate” are basically two words for the same thing.
Many foods contain the mineral phosphorus. You need a certain amount to stay healthy. If you’re on dialysis, too much phosphorus can affect your overall health.
Your doctor will tell you your personal phosphorus goal, but a serum phosphorus level of 5.5 mg/dL or less—determined by a blood test—is a widely accepted benchmark.
Your renal dietitian will help you with a food plan that’s low in phosphorus. But you may need additional help. That’s why there’s Velphoro.
Velphoro is a phosphate binder. Because it’s the strongest one, you can take fewer pills. Velphoro is like a magnet that pulls the phosphorus out of food as you eat it. That’s why you take it with food when you eat.
Remember: Velphoro only works when you take it with food!
Take Velphoro when you eat a meal or snack as prescribed by your doctor. You’ll probably start on Velphoro with 1 pill every time you eat a meal. Your doctor may adjust the dose after tracking your progress.
BREAK
CHEW
CRUSH
Velphoro is easy to break, chew, or crush. Take it just before, during, or just after a meal or snack.
Don’t swallow Velphoro whole. If you forget to take Velphoro, take your regular dose with your next meal.
Taking Velphoro with meals is the best way to make sure it works. Try these to help you remember:
Most patients reported no side effects with Velphoro, but some did. But there’s no substitute for being prepared, just in case.
Side effects of Velphoro are mostly mild and go away on their own after a short time.
Most common is diarrhea, which usually resolves by itself. Some people have reported discoloration of their teeth, or a rash. Because Velphoro is made from iron, it may turn your stools black. This is normal—and harmless—just as it is with other medicines that contain iron.
Few people have stopped taking Velphoro because of side effects. Speak to your healthcare team if side effects become a concern.
If you have health insurance, your healthcare plan most likely covers Velphoro. Most people pay less than $10 per prescription for Velphoro.
If you have trouble paying for your Velphoro prescription, help is available regardless of your insurance coverage.*
Talk to your healthcare team for more information on copay savings and other programs offered by Velphoro Access Solutions.
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Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is a phosphate binder indicated for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
Velphoro chewable tablets must be taken with meals. Velphoro should be chewed or crushed. Do not swallow whole. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and other supplements. Velphoro can interact with other medicines.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: peritonitis (an infection) during peritoneal dialysis, significant gastric or liver disorder, recent major gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, a history of hemochromatosis or other disease that results in iron build-up in the body. People with these conditions were not included in clinical studies with Velphoro, and your healthcare provider will monitor your iron levels while you are taking Velphoro.
Velphoro can cause side effects. The most common side effects are discolored feces, diarrhea, and nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. To report negative side effects associated with taking Velphoro, contact Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) at 1-800-323-5188. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at:
1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Before taking Velphoro, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breast-feeding.
For more information please see full Prescribing Information.
