Ferretab for anemia. Reviews, instructions for use, analogues, price

Ferretab drug indicated for iron deficiency in the body and anemia. According to reviews, the drug is most often prescribed to pregnant women and patients with diseases of the blood, cardiovascular system, accompanied by weakness, fatigue, tachycardia, lethargy.

Forms of release and composition of the drug

This product is available in the form of hard capsules with a bright red gelatinous shell. The medicine has a prolonged effect.

Inside each capsule are several small flat-shaped tablets: three of them contain a high concentration of iron fumarate, and the fourth contains folic acid. Ferrum-enriched tablets have a pronounced reddish-brown tint and interspersed with a dark color.

The composition of each individual Ferretab capsule, consisting of 4 parts, is represented by the following ratio of active ingredients:

• about 163 mg of iron fumarate, which is the equivalent of 50 mg of ferrum assimilated by the body in its pure form;
• 0.54 mg folic acid equated to 0.5 mg dry matter.

In addition to the main substances, auxiliary components were used in the manufacture of the drug:

• magnesium stearate;
• lactose monohydrate;
• colloidal silicon dioxide;
• cellulose;
• gelatin;
• dyes;
• ethyl acrylate;

Each carton contains 3 blisters of 10 capsules.

Ferretab belongs to the clinical and pharmacological group of antianemic drugs and vitamin and mineral complexes.

Pharmacological properties

The effect of the drug on the body is due to the effect of the substances it contains. The complex of iron and folic acid, on which Ferretab is based, is a powerful stimulator of the formation of blood cells.

With a deficiency of these components, a pathological condition such as iron deficiency anemia develops. The disease can lead to hypoxia of internal organs against the background of an insufficient concentration of hemoglobin.

With oxygen starvation and a lack of folic acid, the risk of developing megaloblastic anemia increases. In this case, a failure occurs in the mechanism of production of erythrocytes and the synthesis of hemoglobin. Ferretab's task is to restore the balance of blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.

This medicine in capsules improves the well-being of pregnant women and has a positive effect on the formation of organs and systems. the fetus, and replenishing the reserves of folic acid minimizes the likelihood of preterm birth and prevents the appearance of a threat interruptions.

Also, the therapeutic properties of iron fumarate and folic acid are as follows:

• more intensive assimilation of the ferrum contained in food;
• correct hematopoiesis within the bone marrow;
• enhancing immunity.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Active microelements of the drug are the main participants in the chemical and biological processes associated with the delivery of oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body.

Ferrous fumarate is a salt, without which the synthesis of hemoglobin is not carried out. In addition, it is this substance that contributes to the gradual regression of laboratory manifestations and symptoms of iron deficiency. pathological conditions (general weakness, fatigue, dryness, painful sensations when touching the epidermis, cardiac arrhythmias).

Folic acid ensures uninterrupted production of normoblasts and maturation of megaloblasts. This vitamin is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and the catalysis of purines, pyrimidines and nucleic acids, which stimulate hematopoiesis and protect the fetus from external teratogenic factors.

From the consumed amount of the drug, from 5 to 35% of the active components are absorbed. In blood plasma, active substances bind to transferrin, participating in the formation of cells of myoglobin, peroxidase and catalase, or accumulating ferritin deposits in tissues.

Ferrous fumarate leaves the body with body fluids and excrement. Folic acid is absorbed into the bloodstream at the level of the upper segments of the gastrointestinal tract, penetrating into the circulatory system through the duodenal mucosa. This trace element binds to the cell membrane by more than 60%. All stages of the metabolism of Ferretab takes place in the liver.

Indications for use

Ferretab for anemia, reviews of which should not be regarded as a recommendation for self-medication, is most often prescribed to expectant mothers. However, iron deficiency in the body is not the only indication for the use of this remedy.

The drug is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions that occur against the background of a decrease in hemoglobin levels:

• lactating women;
• persons suffering from chronic alcoholism;
• in severely malnourished patients who are undernourished;
• people with a severe or prolonged course of infectious diseases;
• women who have been taking oral contraceptives or anticonvulsants for several months or more;
• patients with chronic ulcerative pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ferretab is prescribed for any disorders in the body, accompanied by frequent or heavy bleeding in men or women. Loss of blood leads to a decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which can be restored with the help of iron-containing agents.

Confirmation of anemia and the need to use Ferratab capsules are indicators of a general blood test, which are below normal values, however, to clarify the reason for the low hemoglobin, the patient needs to undergo a biochemical study.

Iron deficiency anemia entails a change in a number of laboratory parameters, in particular:

• reduced concentration of ferritin (the main form of deposited iron);
• lack of serum iron;
• excess of the TIBC (total iron-binding capacity of serum).

Contraindications

And although Ferretab contains substances necessary for the full functioning of the hematopoietic system, in some cases the use of this drug is not allowed.

Doctors do not prescribe this drug if the patient is diagnosed with a satisfactory concentration of iron and folic acid, despite a low hemoglobin level. Also, you can not use an anti-anemic agent for hemolytic anemia and thalassemia - a genetic incurable disease in children.

It is important to remember about such a contraindication to the use of Ferretab as an allergic reaction. Moreover, the use of the tool is impossible with intolerance to any of the components of the capsules.

At what age can the drug be used?

Like many other iron-containing drugs, Ferretab is used with caution in childhood. For patients under 12 years of age, doctors, as a rule, do not prescribe this medication because of its irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive system. In addition, the risk of overdose is quite high when treating anemia in low birth weight children.

Instructions for use, dosage

Ferretab for anemia (reviews of the drug are mostly of an approving nature) does not require strict rules and regimen during treatment. In most cases, the medicine is used according to the standard scheme - half an hour (maximum 1 hour) before a meal. At the same time, the manufacturer and doctors do not prohibit drinking Ferretab after meals, if the capsules taken on an empty stomach provoke discomfort in the epigastrium, cause nausea and stomach pain.

The method of application is as follows: the capsule must be swallowed in its original form, without breaking, without biting or damaging the gelatinous shell. The medicine must be washed down with ordinary drinking water without gas or a drink enriched with ascorbic acid (for example, rosehip decoction, cabbage or citrus juice).

It is vitamin C that is involved in the absorption of iron, therefore, the use of the drug with such drinks is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the drug.

With regard to age differentiation, Ferretab can be used in the same dose for both children over 12 years old and adults.

• With an iron deficiency state, where the hemoglobin level does not fall below 80 mg / l, 1 capsule per day is enough.
• With more severe anemia, the daily amount of medicinal substances is increased by 2-3 times.

Determining the exact dosage of Ferretab is within the purview of the medical professional.

It is necessary to take the drug in the prescribed dosage until the hemoglobin level stabilizes. The average duration of treatment for anemia is 2-3 months. At the end of the main treatment program, it is not recommended to abruptly refuse to take Ferretab.

This drug does not cause drug dependence, but to normalize the hemoglobin concentration it is necessary continue to use drugs in a maintenance minimum dosage (1 capsule per day) for 3-5 weeks.

This dose is also considered optimal when taking Ferretab for prophylactic purposes. To prevent anemia, the drug is sometimes prescribed to women during pregnancy and lactation. Taking Ferretab allows you to maintain a normal concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

Side effects

Reviews of Ferretab indicate that in case of anemia, the specified agent is better tolerated than most analogues. However, any iron supplements are difficult for the body to absorb.

In this regard, some patients report side effects such as:

• feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• vomiting and nausea;
• upset stool;
• dizziness and cephalalgia;
• burning and pain in the stomach;
• allergic skin rashes.

Overdose

Ferretab is an unsafe medicine that can cause you to feel bad.

When taking an excessive number of capsules, an overdose manifests itself with characteristic symptoms:

• epigastric pain;
• vomiting and nausea;
• darkening of feces to black;
• drowsiness or insomnia;
• deep loss of consciousness;
• pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
• a state of shock.

If there is an overdose of Ferretab, accompanied by certain clinical signs, it is necessary to take a set of urgent measures to elimination of the consequences of improper use of the medication:

• If no more than 5-10 minutes have passed after taking the pills. back, you should try to flush the stomach. This procedure can be carried out using a 1% soda solution.
• In other cases, or when gastric lavage is impossible, it is necessary to provoke vomiting by mechanical irritation of the tongue root.
• Take a natural "cocktail" that prevents the absorption of excess iron into the blood. It consists of cow's milk and raw eggs. Eggshells should be washed thoroughly before cooking to avoid salmonellosis infections.

After carrying out these measures, the patient needs to undergo a study to determine the level of serum iron and ferritin and consult a doctor. If the concentration of these substances in the blood is exceeded, Desferal or Deferoxamine is prescribed. Further, according to the indications, the patient undergoes symptomatic treatment aimed at restoring the full functioning of vital organs and systems.

special instructions

In order to prevent an overdose of synthetic ferrum, special care must be taken when taking bioactive supplements or vitamin-mineral complexes containing iron salts. Timely started therapy for anemia quickly gives positive dynamics, however, Ferretab does not eliminate the main cause of the developed iron deficiency in the body.

Stool staining in a characteristic black color should not become the basis for discontinuation of the drug. In this case, the analysis of feces during the period of treatment with Ferretab can give a false-positive result for occult blood. To obtain a reliable conclusion, it is advisable to suspend the iron-replenishing therapy a few days before the study.

Intake of folic acid in a daily dosage of 1 mg or more often leads to the progression of neurological symptoms in pernicious anemia. This blood disease is malignant, therefore, before starting to take Ferretab, this diagnosis should be excluded in order to avoid complications.

For maximum efficiency, therapy is continued even after the normalization of the basic blood parameters for at least 4-12 weeks, until the final elimination of the deficiency and replacement of intracellular iron membranes.

In the course of treatment, if necessary, laboratory monitoring is carried out at 4-week intervals according to the following parameters:

• hemoglobin;
• quantitative and qualitative indicators of erythrocytes, reticulocytes;
• UZHSK;
• transferrin.

Ferretab for anemia (reviews of this drug are numerous, which indicates the recognition of its effectiveness by modern specialists) contains lactose.

Patients with galactose intolerance, congenital lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption are undesirable to take capsules. In addition, the additives E122 and E104 present in these capsules often cause allergic reactions.

When taking Ferretab or other iron preparations, it is undesirable to abuse black tea, coffee, milk and dairy products, solid food, bread and eggs - these products interfere with the normal absorption of iron, and therefore the capsules are recommended to be taken either on an empty stomach or 40-60 minutes after food.

Moreover, for the period of the course of therapy, the above products should be excluded from the diet as much as possible.

Drug interactions

If during the course of treatment with Ferretab the patient needs to take additional medications, he you should immediately inform your doctor about this, since iron supplements do not always interact favorably with others substances.

For example, iron fumarate reduces effectiveness by preventing the full absorption of drugs such as:

• levofloxacin;
• ciprofloxacin;
• antibiotics of the penicillin series;
• agents indicated in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's syndrome;
• sulfasalazine and other medicines taken for rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, you should not use formulations with thyroxine at the same time as Ferretab, which are usually prescribed for disorders in the work of the endocrine system. Ferretab is not fully absorbed into the bloodstream if capsules are taken at the same time as magnesium and calcium supplements, phenobarbital.

When combining an iron-containing drug with drugs of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs the load on the gastrointestinal tract increases, the irritation of the mucous membrane becomes more intense esophagus, stomach.

The medicinal properties of Ferretab are reduced when used simultaneously with vitamin E. In patients who unknowingly drank iron in combination with glucocorticosteroids, there was an increase in erythropoiesis and, as a result, an increase in the concentration of red blood cells.

Poor interactions have been reported between folic acid and oral contraceptives, antiepileptic drugs, antirheumatoid drugs.

This substance is not absorbed when used together with analgesics, anticonvulsants, choleretic agents and antacids, which neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach. With the simultaneous administration of Ferretab together with cytostatics during the period of anticancer treatment, the effect of the latter is minimized.

Analogs

Ferretab for anemia (reviews of drugs with a similar composition and principle of action confirm them effectiveness) can be replaced by drugs in a different form of release or containing additional active substances.

All of the medicines below have similar indications for use:

Drug name, release form, country of origin	What is the difference from Ferretab	At what age can you give	Price
Maltofer (chewable tablets, syrup, oral drops), Switzerland	The active substance is iron dextrin, polymaltose complex of Fe3 + hydroxide	Suitable for the treatment of anemia in children of all ages. In the presence of appropriate indications, Maltofer in the form of a syrup can be given to newborns, including those born prematurely.	tablets - from 221 rubles, syrup - 237 - 279 rubles., drops - from 225 rubles.
Biofer (capsules, chewable tablets), India	The active ingredients are iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose and vitamin B9. Must be taken with meals. Interaction with other drugs has not been identified.	Allowed from 12 years old	from 316 rub.
Tardiferon (tablets), France	The main substance is dry iron sulfate. Contains mucoproteose, ascorbic acid. May cause allergies and gastrointestinal disorders.	Recommended for children over 7 years old	from 285 rub.

It is also worth noting more expensive drugs from this group of drugs:

• Gyno-Tardiferon tablets - costs about 1800 rubles;
• Ferlatum in the form of a solution for oral administration - the price in pharmacies is within 770 rubles;
• Ferrum Lek in ampoules for intramuscular injection - from 1200 rubles.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

Ferretab capsules do not require special storage conditions. It is advisable to keep the drug away from light in a place inaccessible to small children. The shelf life of anemia medicine is 3 years from the date of release at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. At the end of the expiration date, Ferretab cannot be used.

This drug is available over the counter from pharmacies, but self-medication is not an appropriate treatment option. In order for the use of an iron-containing medication to bring positive results and not cause complications, it is imperative to consult a doctor before buying the drug.

Price

In Russian pharmacies, the cost of Ferretab capsules differs slightly. On average, for a package of 30 tablets, which in most cases is enough for 1 month of treatment, you will have to pay a little more than 400 rubles.

Giving an objective assessment of the Ferretab agent according to patient reviews, it can be concluded that the real results of therapy for iron deficiency anemia in 8 out of 10 people. There are practically no mentions of complications, so the drug can be considered relatively safe.

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