Why Ferralet 90?
Ferralet 90 is a prescription oral iron supplement indicated for the treatment of all anemias that are responsive to oral iron therapy. Ferralet 90 contains 90 mg of carbonyl iron as well as essential vitamins and minerals, so patients can replenish iron stores in an effective, safe and tolerable manner.
Ferralet 90 was designed to address the traditional drawbacks of oral iron therapy:
- Ferralet 90 contains carbonyl iron, which works with the body to regulate absorption based on the amount of gastric acid produced.
- The carbonyl iron safety margin is 250 to 300 times greater than that of ferrous sulfate and other iron salts.
- Ferralet 90 is free of lactose and gluten, features a vanilla scent and contains docusate sodium, a gentle and effective stool softener, to help prevent side-effects that may occur in women who are sensitive to iron therapy.
Ferralet 90 builds on the benefits of existing iron supplements, but offers additional vitamins and minerals to increase health benefits:
- Ferralet 90 contains vitamin C to further aid in iron absorption, folic acid to bolster red blood cell development and vitamin B12 to support red blood cell generation.
How Does Ferralet 90 Work?
Ferralet 90 allows the patient's system to define the rate of iron absorption.
- When ingested, carbonyl iron is converted to soluble ionized iron at a rate determined by gastric acid production. The iron is then taken up by the intestinal mucosa and distributed internally. This prolonged solubilization and absorption is the key to carbonyl iron's safety and tolerability.1
About Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in the U.S.2 Adolescent girls and women of childbearing age are at most risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to menstruation.3 One in five women is iron deficient and at risk for developing anemia.4
Ferralet 90 is marketed by Mission Pharmacal Company based in San Antonio, Texas.
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. Ferralet 90 should be kept out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose of Ferralet 90, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Please see full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, for Ferralet 90 at www.ferralet90.com.
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
- Brittenham GM, Klein HG, Kushner JP, Ajioka RS. Preserving the national blood supply. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2001:422-32.
- Iron deficiency--United States, 1999-2000 [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 2002 Oct 11 [accessed 2008 Apr 9]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5140a1.htm.
- 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.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia [Internet]. MayoClinic.com; [cited 2008 May 20]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/anemia/irondeficiencyanemia.html.
