Iron-based phosphate binder

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide

Brand names: Velphoro

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is an iron-based, non-calcium phosphate binder used to control hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Phosphate binds to the iron-oxyhydroxide complex in the gut and is excreted in the faeces, with minimal iron absorption.

Prescribing in practice

Take with meals so the binder coincides with dietary phosphate, and chew the tablets as directed for effective binding.
Discoloured (typically dark) stools are expected and harmless but can interfere with faecal occult blood testing.
Diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal effects are common, and the small amount of absorbed iron should be considered in patients with iron-overload conditions.

Monitoring

Monitor serum phosphate periodically to guide dose titration, alongside routine renal mineral parameters.

Counselling the patient

Chew the tablets and take them with your meals.
Your stools may turn dark while taking this medicine, which is normal.

Evidence & guidelines

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is an established phosphate binder supported by randomised trials in dialysis patients and CKD-mineral and bone disorder guidance.

Reference: NICE NG203; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators