Forms of Iron

Iron comes in two forms: heme iron (from meat and animal products) and non-heme iron (from other sources like vegetables and iron supplements). Non-heme iron used in iron supplements can appear in 3 forms:

  • Ferric iron (Fe3+) — This type of iron is less soluble than ferrous iron in an environment when pH is greater than 3. It has to be converted to ferrous iron (Fe2+) so that it can be dissolved and absorbed in the small intestine.
  • Ferrous iron (Fe2+) — Ferrous iron is more soluble and easier to absorb than ferric iron. It is frequently used in iron supplements as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate.
  • Carbonyl iron (Fe0) — Carbonyl iron is a pure form of iron that is widely used as a food additive and has been studied for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.1,2 When ingested, it requires gastric acid from the stomach to become soluble. Gastric acid converts the carbonyl iron to ferrous iron (Fe2+), and once this happens, it is absorbed in the same manner as ferrous iron.1 Because carbonyl iron is dependent upon gastric acid for absorption, it is less toxic and better tolerated than other forms of iron.1,2

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.

Ferralet® 90 is a prescription iron supplement approved for treating anemias that respond to oral iron therapy. Your doctor may prescribe Ferralet® 90 if you have certain anemias associated with pregnancy, blood loss, or metabolic disease, or if you are recovering from surgery or do not have enough iron in your diet.

Important Safety Information

Ferralet® 90 has not been tested in children. Dosing for elderly patients should begin at the lower end of the dosing range.

Talk to your doctor before taking Ferralet® 90 if you have a known sensitivity to any of its ingredients.

Because some medications may interact with Ferralet® 90, you should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including antacids and antibiotics.

Before prescribing iron therapy, your doctor will need to determine the type of anemia you have and identify its underlying causes. You should not take this product if you have been diagnosed with hemolytic anemia or an iron overload disorder such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.

If you have certain forms of anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency (i.e. pernicious anemia), the Folic acid contained in Ferralet® 90 is not enough to treat your condition. Doses of more than 0.1 mg Folic acid per day can hide the symptoms of these anemias, so your doctor must rule them out before prescribing this product.

Once you begin iron therapy with Ferralet® 90, take the product 2 hours after meals, and do not exceed the recommended dose.

When taking Ferralet® 90, you may experience temporary side effects such as GI irritation, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dark stools.

Some patients taking Folic acid have reported allergic reactions. Additionally, Ferralet® 90 contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible people. Although uncommon, tartrazine sensitivity is often seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity. Contact your doctor and discontinue use if you develop any unusual symptoms.

Keep this product out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. Symptoms of overdose include abdominal pain, metabolic acidosis, decline or absence of urine production, nerve damage, coma, convulsions, death, dehydration, congestion of blood vessels, cirrhosis of the liver, low blood pressure, hypothermia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, rapid heart rate, high blood sugar, drowsiness, abnormal pale or bluish skin color, lack of energy, seizures, and shock. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

1. Gordeuk VR, Brittenham GM, Hughes M, Keating LJ, Opplt JJ. High-dose carbonyl iron for iron deficiency anemia: a randomized double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 1987 Dec;46(6):1029-34.
2. Gordeuk VR, Brittenham GM, McLaren CE, Hughes MA, Keating LJ. Carbonyl iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia. Blood 1986 Mar;67(3):745-752.

Source from: Ferralet® 90

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