A common condition in women
Iron deficiency occurs in people the world over, and is the number one cause of anemia.1 It comes on when the body is called upon to use more iron than it has in storage. When this happens, the blood lacks an adequate supply of healthy red blood cells. It's these cells that need iron to make a substance called hemoglobin, which enables the cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. It's not unusual for women in their child-bearing years to develop IDA, since more iron than usual is required during menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.2
Treatment
In addition to eating a diet rich in iron, people with iron deficiency often take an oral iron formulation under the direction of their physician. A variety of oral iron formulations are available. Don't assume they are all the same! The method of absorption and the other ingredients in the formulation can make a big difference in how comfortable you are likely to be while taking them.
Prevention
The body has built-in mechanisms through which it tries to maintain enough iron to meet its demands. It all starts with the food we eat. Other than oral iron preparations, the most effective way to bolster iron stores is to maintain a diet rich in iron. This, of course, can be easier said than done, especially by vegetarians. But planning ahead can help keep the diet in balance.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Warning
Folic acid alone is improper therapy in the treatment of pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemias where vitamin B12 is deficient.
Precautions
Administration of Drug- General: Take 2 hours after meals. Do not exceed recommended dose. Discontinue use if symptoms of intolerance appear. The type of anemia and underlying cause or causes should be determined before starting therapy with Ferralet® 90 tablets. Ensure Hgb, Hct, reticulocyte count are determined before starting therapy and periodically thereafter during prolonged treatment. Periodically review therapy to determine if it needs to be continued without change or if a dose change is indicated. This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
- Folic Acid: Folic acid in doses above 0.1 mg daily may obscure pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurological manifestations remain progressive. Pernicious anemia should be excluded before using these products since folic acid may mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia.
- Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Geriatric Use: Dosing for elderly patients should be cautious. Due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy, dosing should start at the lower end of the dosing range.
This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.
Please see full Prescribing Information
- Huebers HA, Brittenham GM, Csiba E, Finch CA. Absorption of carbonyl iron. J Lab Clin Med. 1986 Nov;108(5):473-8.
- Barton JC. Iron deficiency. In Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy, 2008. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Saunders/Elsevier, 385-389.
