Stomach and Intestinal Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a significant stomach or intestinal condition.
Velphoro has not been well studied in people with:
- Serious gastrointestinal disorders
- Recent major stomach or intestinal surgery
- Peritonitis while receiving peritoneal dialysis
Your healthcare provider may monitor you more closely if any of these situations apply.
Iron Buildup
Velphoro contains iron.
Only a small amount of iron is normally absorbed, but extra caution is needed if you have hemochromatosis or another condition that causes too much iron to build up in the body.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your iron levels during treatment.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of Velphoro.
Contact your healthcare provider if diarrhea becomes severe, lasts for a long time, or causes signs of dehydration such as dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, or reduced urination.
Dark-Colored Stools
Velphoro commonly causes dark or discolored stools because it contains iron.
This is usually harmless.
However, if you are concerned about black stools or also have symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, weakness, or vomiting blood, seek medical attention because gastrointestinal bleeding can also cause dark stools.
Drug Interactions
Velphoro can reduce the absorption of certain medications taken by mouth.
For example:
- Take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before Velphoro.
- Take doxycycline, cephalexin, and acetylsalicylic acid at least 1 hour before Velphoro.
Other oral medicines may also need to be taken at a different time if reduced absorption could affect their effectiveness.
Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Take Velphoro With Meals
Velphoro should be taken with meals because it works by binding phosphorus from the food you eat.
Chew or crush the tablets completely before swallowing them. Do not swallow the tablets whole.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Your healthcare provider will decide whether Velphoro is appropriate based on your health condition and the expected benefits and risks.
Children
Velphoro can be used in certain children with chronic kidney disease who are receiving dialysis.
Current prescribing information includes dosing for children 9 years of age and older.
A healthcare provider will choose the dose based on age and phosphorus levels.
Monitoring During Treatment
Your healthcare provider will check your blood phosphorus levels regularly.
People at risk of iron accumulation may also need monitoring of their iron levels.
These tests help determine whether Velphoro is working safely and whether your dose needs to be adjusted.
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