Velphoro 500 mg chewable tablets: SmPC summary
Quick summary Velphoro 500 mg chewable tablets contain sucroferric oxyhydroxide and are used to help control serum phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis. The tablets are taken with meals,...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary
Velphoro 500 mg chewable tablets contain sucroferric oxyhydroxide and are used to help control serum phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis. The tablets are taken with meals, and treatment is adjusted by a healthcare professional based on phosphate levels and tolerability.
Medical disclaimer: This article is a general summary of the product information and is not a substitute for the official SmPC, patient leaflet, or advice from a doctor or pharmacist. It does not replace personalised medical guidance.
What is Velphoro 500 mg chewable tablets?
Velphoro is a prescription medicine in chewable tablet form. It contains sucroferric oxyhydroxide, a phosphate binder used to help reduce phosphate absorption from food.
According to the source content, it is used in adults and in children aged 2 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients receiving dialysis.
The tablets are designed to be chewed and are taken with meals.
How does Velphoro work?
Velphoro works in the gastrointestinal tract by binding dietary phosphate. This helps reduce the amount of phosphate absorbed into the bloodstream.
Controlling phosphate is important in CKD because high phosphate levels can contribute to complications such as bone and cardiovascular problems.
What is Velphoro used for?
Velphoro is primarily used to help manage elevated serum phosphorus in people with CKD, especially those on dialysis.
The source content also notes use in paediatric patients from 2 years of age with CKD-related hyperphosphataemia.
How is Velphoro taken?
Velphoro is taken with meals so it can bind phosphate from food effectively.
The source content states that dosing is adjusted according to serum phosphorus levels and that monitoring is typically done every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment adjustment.
For adults, the content describes a starting dose of 1,500 mg of iron daily, which equals three 500 mg chewable tablets. The maximum dose mentioned is 3,000 mg of iron per day.
For children aged 2 years and older, the dose should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Velphoro may cause side effects. The source content highlights the following:
- Diarrhoea
- Discoloured stools
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Some of these effects may lessen over time, but any troublesome or persistent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Important points before taking Velphoro
Before using Velphoro, the source content advises checking for:
- Hypersensitivity to sucroferric oxyhydroxide or related compounds
- Conditions involving iron accumulation
- Possible interactions with other medicines, including levothyroxine
It is also important to tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medicines being taken, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
Velphoro compared with sevelamer
Velphoro and sevelamer are both phosphate binders used in CKD, but they are not the same medicine.
| Medicine | Main point from the source content |
|---|---|
| Velphoro | Contains sucroferric oxyhydroxide, an iron-based phosphate binder. |
| Sevelamer | A non-calcium, non-metal phosphate binder. |
The choice between them depends on individual clinical factors and should be made with a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
▸ What is Velphoro 500 mg used for?
It is used to help control high phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis.
▸ Is Velphoro the same as sevelamer?
No. Both are phosphate binders, but they contain different active ingredients and are not the same medicine.
▸ What is the active ingredient in Velphoro?
The active ingredient is sucroferric oxyhydroxide.
▸ How is Velphoro taken?
The source content says it is taken with meals. Exact dosing should be confirmed from the official leaflet or a healthcare professional.
▸ What side effects are mentioned in the source content?
Diarrhoea, discoloured stools, abdominal pain and nausea are listed in the source content.
▸ Who should check with a clinician before using Velphoro?
Anyone with a history of hypersensitivity, iron accumulation disorders, or possible medicine interactions should check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Safety reminder: Always follow the official product information and your healthcare professional’s instructions. If you have questions about timing, interactions, or side effects, ask a doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.