Ferralet Mode of Action
The patient's system defines the rate of absorption1
- (a) Ferrous gluconate enters the body ready for immediate absorption (b)Particulate carbonyl iron is converted to soluble ionized iron at a rate determined by the rate of gastric acid production4
- Overall bioavailability is similar for carbonyl iron and ferrous salts5
- Ferralet 90 provides both the initial bolus of ferrous iron and the more prolonged absorption of carbonyl iron
Taking iron can be an unpleasant experience that includes coping with lots of side effects relating to your digestive system—anything from stomach cramps, to nausea, to constipation. These events have traditionally limited the amount of iron that could be given at one time,1 consequently prolonging the duration of treatment. Ferralet® 90 is carbonyl iron, which enters your system gradually, in sync with your unique body's timing and needs.2 We call the process biocomplementary because it is responsive to the needs of your individual system. Because of this slow, gradual process, side effects are low,3 and accidental poisoning in children is far less of a risk than it is with traditional irons.
Despite the slower, more gradual way carbonyl enters the system, it is equivalent to traditional iron in the volume absorbed and its circulation through the body.4
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
- 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.
- Barton JC. Iron deficiency. In Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy, 2008. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Saunders/Elsevier, 385-389.
- Brittenham GM, Klein HG, Kushner JP, Ajioka RS. Preserving the national blood supply. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2001:422-32.
- Huebers HA, Josephson B, Huebers E, Csiba E, Finch CA. Occupancy of the iron binding sites of human transferrin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1984 Jul;81(14):4326-30.
