Measuring Ferritin Concentration
To differentiate iron deficiency anemia from other types of anemia, your doctor may take a sample of your blood to measure its concentration of ferritin. (Ferritin is the primary protein that allows your body to store iron in its cells.)1
Ferritin levels that are lower than normal typically indicate iron deficiency. The most common cause of elevated ferritin is inflammation, another possible cause of anemia.1
Ferritin levels are a good indicator of iron deficiency anemia and will help your doctor rule out other types of anemia associated with inflammation, liver or kidney disease, or certain blood diseases such as thalassemia minor (an inherited disease that's common in people from Mediterranean countries).1,2,3
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
- Finch CA, Bellotti V, Stray S, Lipschitz DA, Cook JD, Pippard MJ, Huebers HA. Plasma ferritin determination as a diagnostic tool. Western Journal of Medicine. 1986 Nov;145(5):657-63.
- Recommendations to prevent and control iron deficiency in the United States [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1998 Apr 3 [accessed 2008 Apr 9]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00051880.htm.
- About Thalassaemia [Internet]. Thalassaemia International Federation; [accessed 2008 Apr 21]. Available from: http://www.thalassaemia.org.cy/ThalassaemiaNutshell.htm.
