What Is Venofer? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If your doctor has recommended Venofer for iron deficiency anemia, you probably have questions: What exactly is it? How is it different from the iron supplements you can buy at the drugstore? How will it be given, and how many treatments will you need? This guide answers those questions in plain language so you can feel prepared and informed before your first infusion.

What Is Venofer?

Venofer is the brand name for iron sucrose injection, USP — a sterile IV iron replacement product manufactured by American Regent, Inc. under license from Vifor International Inc. in Switzerland. Its generic name is iron sucrose injection.

Venofer has been FDA-approved since 2000 and is one of the most widely used IV iron products in the United States. Each milliliter contains 20 mg of elemental iron as an aqueous complex of iron (III)-hydroxide in sucrose solution. It comes in single-dose vials of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg of elemental iron.

What Is Venofer Used For?

Venofer is FDA-approved for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD refers to long-term (chronic) damage to the kidneys that reduces their ability to filter blood properly. A common complication of CKD is iron deficiency anemia — a condition where the body doesn't have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Venofer is approved for three specific groups of CKD patients:

Hemodialysis-dependent (HDD) CKD: Patients on regular hemodialysis who need iron replenishment or maintenance

Non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) CKD: CKD patients who are not yet on dialysis but have iron deficiency anemia

Peritoneal dialysis-dependent (PDD) CKD: Patients on peritoneal (abdominal) dialysis

Off-label, Venofer and generic iron sucrose are sometimes used for iron deficiency anemia in other patient populations, including pregnant patients with severe IDA who cannot tolerate oral iron, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Why Not Just Take Iron Pills?

For many CKD patients, oral iron supplements are not effective enough. Here's why: CKD causes elevated levels of a hormone called hepcidin, which blocks iron absorption in the gut. Additionally, many CKD patients experience GI side effects from oral iron (nausea, constipation, diarrhea). And in patients on dialysis, the inflammation associated with kidney disease further impairs iron utilization. IV iron bypasses these problems by delivering iron directly into the bloodstream, where it can be used immediately to make red blood cells.

How Is Venofer Given?

Venofer is administered by a healthcare professional as an IV injection or IV infusion. It cannot be self-administered at home. Depending on your CKD type and treatment plan:

Hemodialysis patients: 100 mg IV given during each dialysis session; standard course is 10 sessions (1,000 mg total)

Non-dialysis CKD patients: 200 mg IV x5 doses given over 14 days (1,000 mg total); alternative: 500 mg IV x2 doses

Peritoneal dialysis patients: 300 mg IV x2 doses 14 days apart, then 400 mg IV once (1,000 mg total)

The infusion takes anywhere from 2–5 minutes (for slow IV push) to 2.5 hours depending on the dose. After each infusion, you'll be monitored for at least 30 minutes for any reaction.

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How Long Does Venofer Take to Work?

Venofer works quickly to replenish iron stores. Serum ferritin (a measure of stored iron) begins to rise within 24 hours of the first infusion. However, it typically takes several weeks of treatment before improvements in hemoglobin and red blood cell production are noticeable. Most patients begin to feel improvements in energy and stamina within 2–4 weeks of completing their treatment course.

Important: Do not have your serum iron or TSAT measured within 48 hours of a Venofer infusion. Iron sucrose causes a temporary spike in these values that doesn't reflect your true stored iron levels.

Is Venofer a Controlled Substance?

No. Venofer (iron sucrose) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It requires a prescription, but there are no restrictions on refills or special pharmacy requirements associated with controlled substances.

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What to Do If Venofer Is Hard to Find

Venofer is generally available throughout the United States in 2026, though local supply gaps can occur. If your infusion center is out of stock, visit medfinder.com to find providers near you with available supply. You can also read our deep dive on how Venofer works at the molecular level for a fuller understanding of your treatment.