Velphoro alternatives: What can I take instead of velphoro?

Compare Velphoro alternatives | Auryxia | Fosrenol | Phoslyra | Renagel | Renvela | Natural alternatives | How to switch meds

Phosphorus is a mineral found in the bones. Phosphorus, along with calcium, helps build strong bones. People with normal kidney function are able to remove extra phosphorus from the blood. However, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot remove phosphorus well and can have high levels of phosphorus, or phosphate. This is called hyperphosphatemia. 

According to the National Kidney Foundation, high phosphorus levels can damage the body. Extra phosphorus pulls calcium from the bones, making them weak. High levels of phosphorus and calcium can lead to calcium deposits in the blood vessels, eyes, lungs, and heart. Over a period of time, this can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. It is important to control levels of phosphorus and calcium. 

Managing phosphate levels in people with CKD usually involves these methods:

• Consuming less phosphate in the diet
• Removal of phosphate by dialysis
• Reducing phosphate absorption with phosphate binder medication

Velphoro is a prescription drug that contains the active ingredient sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Velphoro is part of a drug class called phosphate binders, more specifically, it is an iron-based phosphate binder. Phosphate binders help prevent the body from absorbing phosphorus from food and control phosphorus, or phosphate, levels in patients who have chronic kidney disease and are on dialysis. Velphoro is a chewable tablet. It is a brand-name drug, and there is currently no generic available. Velphoro is made by Fresenius Medical Care in Waltham, Massachusetts. 

Sometimes, an individual may be looking for an alternative treatment to Velphoro. Some people may not see the desired results and may want to try a different medication to see if it is more effective. Others may experience side effects that are bothersome or persist. Common side effects of Velphoro include:

• Diarrhea
• Dark stools (feces)
• Nausea
• Altered taste

In rare cases, a serious side effect could occur, such as a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and may cause death. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction require emergency medical help. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. 

Sometimes, Velphoro may not be an ideal drug for someone due to potential drug interactions with medications such as doxycycline or Synthroid (levothyroxine). 

In other cases, Velphoro may be very expensive on your insurance plan, or it may require prior authorization. 

If you are interested in exploring other options than Velphoro, there are other medications that you can discuss with your healthcare provider. 

What can I take in place of Velphoro?

There are other types of medications that can treat high phosphate levels when Velphoro cannot be taken or tolerated. 

The table below compares Velphoro with common alternatives. All drugs listed in the table are prescription medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Other alternatives to Velphoro

See “Natural alternatives to Velphoro” section for more information. 

Top 5 Velphoro alternatives

The following are some of the most common FDA-approved drugs that are alternatives to Velphoro.

1. Auryxia (ferric citrate) 

Auryxia contains the active ingredient ferric citrate and is available as a tablet that is taken by mouth. It is an iron-based phosphate binder used to control phosphorus levels in adults with kidney disease who are on dialysis. It can also be used as an iron replacement to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults with kidney disease who are not on dialysis. Common side effects include constipation or diarrhea, dark stools, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and increased potassium levels. As with all medications, it is important to keep Auryxia out of reach and out of sight of children. An accidental overdose of this medication by a child can cause death. 

2. Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate)

Fosrenol contains the ingredient lanthanum carbonate and is available as a chewable tablet and an oral powder. The powder is used by sprinkling on a small amount of applesauce or pudding and then consuming it right away. The powder form is sometimes used in patients who have difficulty chewing tablets or those with missing teeth. Fosrenol is a phosphate binder used to reduce phosphate levels in adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Common adverse effects of Fosrenol include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and low calcium levels. This medication is contraindicated (should not be used) in people who have severe constipation or bowel obstruction. Fosrenol may cause severe bowel obstruction or perforation (hole) in the intestines. The risk is higher in those with a history of gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) problems.

3. Phoslyra (calcium acetate)

Phoslyra contains the ingredient calcium acetate and is available as an oral solution. It is a calcium-based phosphate binder used to lower serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased calcium levels. People who have high calcium levels should not take Phoslyra.

4. Renagel (sevelamer hydrochloride)

Renagel contains the ingredient sevelamer hydrochloride, and is available as a tablet that is taken by mouth. Renagel is a phosphate binder that helps control phosphorus levels in adult patients with kidney disease who are on dialysis. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and stomach pain. Patients with bowel obstruction should not take Renagel. 

5. Renvela (sevelamer carbonate)

Renvela contains the ingredient sevelamer carbonate. Renvela is available as two different formulations: a tablet that is taken by mouth, and a powder packet. The powder dosage form is mixed with a small amount of water (the instructions will tell you how much water to add based on the dose). Renvela is a phosphate binder that controls phosphorus levels in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older who have chronic kidney disease and are on dialysis. Common side effects of Renvela include nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and stomach pain. Patients with bowel obstruction should not take Renvela. 

Natural alternatives to Velphoro

Supplements

Rather than taking a prescription medication, some people, under the guidance of their healthcare provider, take calcium carbonate supplements such as Os-Cal or Tums to treat high phosphate levels. However, these types of supplements may lead to calcium levels that are too high, which can increase the risk of heart problems and cardiac death. 

Other antacids, such as those that contain aluminum or magnesium, should generally be avoided in patients with high phosphate levels. They are associated with more side effects and drug interactions.

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements for hyperphosphatemia. 

Diet

Controlling phosphorus intake through diet is important for patients with kidney disease. 

High phosphorus foods and beverages should be limited. For example, it is beneficial when choosing a beverage to choose drinks such as water, tea, and coffee over higher phosphorus beverages such as certain sodas, beers, and milk. Fruits and vegetables are lower in phosphorus than processed foods, chocolate, and pizza. A registered dietician can be a helpful resource in implementing dietary changes to help accomplish this goal. You can find a dietician that specializes in patients with CKD through the National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition. 

How to switch to a Velphoro alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Velphoro alternative: 

• First, consult your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider is the only person who can decide which medication is appropriate for you, in combination with dialysis and dietary changes. 
• Before switching to another drug, review your medical history with your healthcare provider. Tell them about any allergies to medications, and tell them about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. 
• If your healthcare provider decides to change your medication, let the pharmacist know that you are going to stop taking Velphoro and start taking the new medication. Treatment for hyperphosphatemia often requires many pills to be taken every day. Talk to your pharmacist if you need help organizing your medication (such as blister packaging or a weekly pill box) and/or remembering to take your medication. 
• You can always search the SingleCare website or mobile app for free coupons that can be used on prescriptions and refills. SingleCare customers save up to 80% on prescription prices.