Виалфер

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Виалфер

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Виалфер

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex
Form Solution for injection (Ampoules)
Pharmacological Class Antianemic agent (Haemopoietic)
Route of Administration Intravenous (IV)
Origin Synthetic colloidal complex

Classification as a Parenteral Antianemic Agent

Виалфер is formally categorized as a parenteral iron preparation, a highly controlled, prescription-only medicine designed for administration via the intravenous (IV) route. This drug belongs to the pharmacological class of antianemic agents, meaning its core function is to facilitate the restoration of essential blood components. This specific preparation is clinically recognized for its utility in situations where oral iron intake is ineffective or contraindicated. The IV administration pathway is specific, generally reserved for patients who cannot effectively absorb iron taken orally or who require rapid, substantial correction of a severe iron deficit, differentiating it from conventional oral supplements.

Composition and Structural Integrity

The sole active component in Виалфер is the Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex. This molecule is characterized as a synthetic colloidal complex where the iron(III) core is stabilized by a protective shield of saccharose (sucrose) ligands. This high molecular weight structure is critical because it controls the rate at which iron is released into the system, significantly enhancing stability and reducing the risk of undesirable effects associated with immediate, high-concentration exposure to free iron ions. Iron sucrose complexes are designed for the controlled and efficient delivery of iron for clinical use.

General Therapeutic Purpose

The overall purpose of Виалфер is direct iron replacement, which is the foundational therapeutic step for correcting iron deficits and replenishing the body's iron stores. By supplying elemental iron via a stable complex, the drug supports the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport. A typical use scenario involves its application in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions or certain forms of chronic kidney disease where iron absorption is inherently compromised. The benefit is centered on restoring the blood's capacity to deliver oxygen efficiently, thereby addressing the physical consequences stemming from insufficient iron supply.

What side effects are possible with Виалфер?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this parenteral iron complex is structured according to regulatory classifications that differentiate effects by frequency and the body system affected. All documented information is derived from official government-approved prescribing information.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The official labeling classifies adverse reactions into frequency tiers:

  • Common: Adverse events observed frequently include transient taste perversion (e.g., metallic taste) and nausea.
  • Uncommon: Reactions in this category include headache, dizziness, fluctuations in blood pressure (hypotension and hypertension), abdominal pain, and various injection site reactions, such as irritation or phlebitis.
  • Rare: The most clinically significant events are classified as rare, notably including anaphylactoid reactions (severe, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity responses) and angioedema.

Serious Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious documented risk involves the potential for severe anaphylactoid reactions, which typically manifest rapidly during or immediately after administration. Severe hypotension is also listed as a serious concern, often associated with administration that is too rapid. Local complications include the potential for persistent skin discoloration (staining) if the medication leaks from the vein (extravasation).

Population-Specific Notes: Safety documents specify that patients with a history of atopic allergies (such as asthma or eczema) may have an increased risk of severe hypersensitivity. Furthermore, the use of the medicine is generally restricted or contraindicated in individuals diagnosed with severe hepatic impairment (liver dysfunction) or anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with intravenous Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex is categorized by acute systemic reactions linked to the rate or total dose administered, and chronic toxicity from excessive iron storage.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

Acute overdose may manifest as hypotension (low blood pressure), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, or muscle cramps. The most severe documented outcomes are life-threatening anaphylactic-type reactions, shock, collapse, and loss of consciousness. Chronic overdose from excessive long-term therapy carries the risk of iatrogenic hemosiderosis (excessive iron storage in tissues), which requires management.

Emergency Actions Required

Immediate medical attention must be sought if any signs of acute systemic intolerance or hypersensitivity occur. Regulatory labeling requires the infusion to be stopped immediately if intolerance is noted. Given the risk of severe outcomes, the medicine must only be administered where personnel and resuscitative therapies are immediately available. Following administration, patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes until clinically stable. Management is primarily symptomatic and supportive, and no specific antidote is detailed in the regulatory overdosage summary. Periodic monitoring of iron parameters is mandated to prevent chronic iron overload.

Therapeutic Uses of Виалфер

The core purpose of this medication is to address severe iron-deficiency anemia by providing a source of iron replacement. It is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This therapy is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and physiological strain.

The primary therapeutic contexts for use include the management of iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease, those with intolerance to oral iron preparations, and cases where there is a failure to adequately respond to oral therapy.


Addressing Severe Iron Deficiency and Functional Decline

This preparation is generally applied in addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath that interfere with daily functioning. By acting as a source of iron, the therapy generally supports the repletion of the iron deficit, supports patients in maintaining functional stability, and contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports improved day-to-day comfort.

“The approach of directly replenishing the body’s iron stores provides supportive relief when severe symptoms interfere with routine activities.”


Management When Oral Iron is Ineffective or Intolerated

The product is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms or conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes, like active Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It is often used when oral iron supplements have failed to produce an adequate response or cause severe side effects that prevent continued use (intolerance). This approach may assist in delivering the necessary iron supply, bypassing compromised absorption, which assists with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Primary Therapeutic Use
Symptom Clusters Addressed: Extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Therapeutic Contexts: Chronic kidney disease, intolerance to oral iron, failure to respond to oral therapy, and acute need for repletion.

Regulatory References

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Виалфер?

Виалфер (Iron Sucrose) is approved for the treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) exclusively in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The drug is defined by strict population eligibility rules and absolute contraindications.

Eligibility Status Officially Documented Groups
Approved Population Adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with IDA due to CKD.
Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its excipients, those with evidence of iron overload (e.g., hemosiderosis), and patients with anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

Age-Related and Conditional Rules

The medicine is not established for use in children under 2 years of age. Use in older adult patients requires caution, as they may have a greater frequency of decreased organ function. For pregnancy, use is not recommended during the first trimester and should be confined to the second and third trimesters only if the benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk. There are no adequate data on drug excretion into breast milk.

Comorbidity Constraints

Use is restricted by its primary indication to patients with CKD. Caution is generally advised for patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) or those with serious active infections.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Regulatory documentation for Виалфер (Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex), a parenteral iron preparation, defines a highly specific interaction profile that centers on co-administration with other iron supplements. No general drug-drug interactions, such as those involving metabolic enzymes or transporters, are typically documented in the product's official prescribing information.

Documented Pharmacokinetic Interaction

The most significant interaction involves Oral Iron Preparations. The official regulatory position confirms a pharmacokinetic interaction where co-administration of the intravenous iron complex results in the reduced absorption of the concurrently administered oral iron preparation. This reduction in the bioavailability of the oral medicine is a class-effect finding for parenteral iron agents.

Interacting Product Class Official Interaction Outcome
Oral Iron Preparations Reduced absorption of the oral product.

Mandatory Timing Restriction

Due to this interaction, a mandatory administration-timing rule is imposed: Oral iron therapy must be initiated at least five (5) days after the last intravenous injection of Виалфер. This timing separation is required to mitigate the effect of reduced oral iron absorption. No interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are explicitly documented in the official regulatory prescribing information.

Mechanism of Action

Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways

Виалфер acts within domains involving receptor- or enzyme-mediated signaling by initiating or suppressing specific signaling sequences. This modification of early molecular steps in the cascade contributes to a reduction in the amplitude of pathway activation driven by distinct signaling patterns.

Regulating Dysregulated Physiological Processes

The compound engages mechanisms that regulate molecular processes and is relevant in systems where targeted pathway adjustment is required. It modifies the kinetics of signal transmission within targeted pathways, affecting systems where specific transmitters or mediators dominate.

Influencing Feedback Regulation in Signaling Cascades

Виалфер modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic biochemical outcomes and is relevant in cascades where multiple layers of pathway activation occur. This engagement of mechanisms that influence feedback regulation within pathways results in reduced concentrations of key signaling mediators, resulting in downstream alterations in physiological processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

The use of Виалфер (Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex) is restricted exclusively to the Intravenous (IV) route. The medicine is administered in a supervised setting, delivered as a slow injection, a controlled infusion, or via the venous line during hemodialysis. This parenteral pattern is strictly governed by clinical protocols to ensure controlled delivery and adherence to a defined repletion course.

The total quantity of elemental iron administered is determined individually to address the patient's specific iron deficit, often targeting a total 1000 mg per course. Standard adult dosing regimens are structured by clinical context: patients undergoing hemodialysis (HDD-CKD) typically receive 100 mg of iron during each consecutive session, while non-dialysis-dependent patients (NDD-CKD) may receive 200 mg doses on 5 separate occasions over a 14-day period to reach the cumulative dose.

Administration requires precise preparation steps. The solution must be diluted only in sterile 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) immediately before infusion. The infusion rate is carefully regulated based on the dose: a 100 mg dose must be administered over at least 15 minutes, and a 200 mg dose over at least 30 minutes. This product must not be mixed with any other medications.

For pediatric patients aged 2 years and older who require maintenance therapy, the specified dose is 0.5 mg/kg per dose, with a maximum of 100 mg, administered on an intermittent schedule.

Official Administration Rule Constraint
Route Restriction Intravenous only.
Diluent 0.9% Sodium Chloride only.
Oral Iron Concurrence Wait 5 days after last injection.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Виалфер

Evidence for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The primary focus of the research for Виалфер (Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex) was studied for patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia related to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Research examined how the treatment was associated with differences in iron stores and Hb levels in both dialysis and non-dialysis patients, often using short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies monitored core hematological outcomes and explored the impact on dosages of certain blood-stimulating agents. Findings from these trials describe patterns observed in the studies related to biomarkers over the short-term periods. Studies explored associations between changes in iron biomarkers and changes in patient-reported experiences, such as outcomes related to physical discomfort and fatigue. Long-term effects are not fully established, and comparative evidence against every newer intravenous iron preparation is lacking.

Evidence for IDA When Oral Iron Fails or Is Intolerated

Research examined the use of Виалфер in patients who required iron replacement but could not tolerate or did not adequately respond to standard oral iron supplements. Studies often took the form of trials where IV administration was observed alongside oral iron treatment. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to differences in iron level measurements at specific time intervals when compared to those evaluated with oral iron. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, specifically noting measurements of changes in outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. Evidence quality varies across studies, and long-term effects are not fully established for this heterogeneous group.

Evidence in Specialized Therapeutic Contexts

Research examined the application of this therapy beyond the standard CKD indication, specifically looking at patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) and confirmed iron deficiency. Studies monitored how treatment was associated with outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. Findings indicate that in these trials, data show patterns related to changes in functional capacity and changes in quality of life scores. However, certainty remains low regarding specific long-term outcomes. The research monitored the rate of transfusion in the observed populations, and the certainty of subgroup findings remains low in special patient groups like children and pregnant women.

Key Studies & References

  1. IRON SUCROSE INJECTION (iron sucrose) injection, solution monograph

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Виалфер (FAQ)


Q: How quickly should I expect to see an effect from Виалфер?

Official information indicates that the iron component is transferred to the body’s iron storage components, where it supports the synthesis of hemoglobin. While the iron is quickly utilized for blood production, changes in key iron markers and hemoglobin levels are often measured by healthcare professionals over several weeks or months of continuous treatment.


Q: Can I take Виалфер with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers?

The official regulatory documents define a specific pharmacokinetic interaction with oral iron preparations. Interactions involving other specific classes of medicine, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, are not explicitly documented in the official prescribing information for this intravenous medicine.


Q: What happens if I forget to take a dose of Виалфер?

As this medicine is administered on a set schedule in a controlled setting, patients are typically advised to contact their healthcare professional or clinic as soon as possible if an appointment for an infusion is missed.


Q: Is it true that Виалфер can change the color of urine or stools?

Changes in the color of urine or stools are not commonly listed as adverse reactions in the official prescribing information. The sucrose component of the complex is mainly eliminated through the urine. If a patient observes unusual changes in their urine or stool, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is appropriate.


Q: Is there a generic version of Виалфер available?

The active ingredient is Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex. The availability and specific naming of alternative or generic-equivalent products containing this active component are subject to the drug regulations and approvals in each specific country.


Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Виалфер typically last?

The administered iron is stored and utilized by the body to produce red blood cells. The therapeutic effect on iron stores is sustained and is typically evaluated by a healthcare professional as part of a multi-dose treatment course over time.


Q: Are there different strengths of Виалфер available?

Official product information indicates that the solution is available in standardized single-dose presentations. These commonly include vials containing 100 mg or 200 mg of elemental iron per vial.


Q: Can Виалфер be used by people who follow a specific diet, like vegan or gluten-free?

The official documentation lists the active substance (Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex) and excipients (including sucrose). Official regulatory labeling does not provide guidance on the product's suitability for specific dietary choices such as vegan or gluten-free diets.


Q: Is Виалфер intended to replace a healthy diet or lifestyle changes?

The use of this medicine for iron replacement is defined by regulatory bodies as a treatment for iron deficiency, not as a nutritional supplement or a replacement for diet. The treatment course is typically initiated alongside a patient's existing care plan.


Q: Is the medication known to interact with birth control pills?

The primary interaction described in the official regulatory documents relates to reduced absorption of oral iron preparations when co-administered. No specific drug-drug interaction with common hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) has been explicitly documented in the official prescribing information for this iron complex.


Q: Does taking Виалфер impact fertility?

Data from nonclinical studies, conducted to assess potential reproductive risks, did not indicate any effect of iron sucrose on the fertility or reproductive function in animals.


Q: Can Виалфер cause changes in mood or anxiety levels?

Adverse events reported to regulatory bodies that affect the nervous system include dizziness and headache, and, rarely, nervousness. Changes in mood or anxiety levels beyond these documented effects are not typically listed as common or uncommon adverse reactions in the official labeling.

How should Виалфер be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage Requirements

Виалфер (Ferric(III) Hydroxide Sacharose Complex) must be stored strictly according to the conditions defined in regulatory labeling to maintain the integrity of the injection solution. The product must not be stored above 25 C and must not be frozen. The ampoules must be kept in the original outer carton to protect the solution from light [Source: EMA SmPC].

For stability, the solution is required to be used immediately once the ampoule is opened. If the product is diluted for administration, it must also be used immediately, though it is chemically stable for 12 hours at a maximum of 25 C [Source: EMA SmPC].

Disposal and Safety

All unused or expired medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Disposal of Виалфер must be carried out in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. The product must not be thrown into wastewater or ordinary household waste [Source: EMA SmPC].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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