Velphoro
Velphoro is a phosphate binder that contains iron. It works by binding to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. It is used to lower high blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
Dosage by Body Weight
Velphoro tablets must be chewed or crushed; they must not be swallowed whole. The medication must be taken with meals to effectively bind dietary phosphorus. The standard starting dose for adults is 1,500 mg per day (1 chewable tablet of 500 mg per meal). Dosage is subsequently adjusted based on serum phosphorus levels.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants or patients under 2 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires direct supervision and calculation by a pediatric nephrologist.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Requires specialist calculation
- Frequency
- Consult pediatric nephrologist
- Tracking Notes
- Approved for children 2 years and older. Starting dose is typically lower and tailored based on baseline phosphorus levels.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Typically 250 mg to 500 mg per day
- Frequency
- Divided with meals
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be individualized. Tablets must be crushed if the child cannot chew them safely.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Typically 500 mg per day
- Frequency
- Divided with meals
- Tracking Notes
- Carefully monitor serum phosphorus levels to titrate to the optimal therapeutic dose.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants or patients under 2 years of age. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Requires direct supervision and calculation by a pediatric nephrologist. |
| 8-10 kg | Requires specialist calculation | Consult pediatric nephrologist | Approved for children 2 years and older. Starting dose is typically lower and tailored based on baseline phosphorus levels. |
| 11-15 kg | Typically 250 mg to 500 mg per day | Divided with meals | Dose must be individualized. Tablets must be crushed if the child cannot chew them safely. |
| 16-20 kg | Typically 500 mg per day | Divided with meals | Carefully monitor serum phosphorus levels to titrate to the optimal therapeutic dose. |
Formulation
Purpose
Control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis
Generic Name
Sucroferric oxyhydroxideScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.