FERROFOLIN ® Iron + folic acid

FERROFOLIN ® is a drug based on protinate iron + calcium folinate

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Iron-based preparations

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications FERROFOLIN ® Iron + folic acid

FERROFOLIN ® is used in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and folic acid typical of pregnancy, and in the treatment of iron deficiency anemias.

The concentrations of folate present in the medicine are not adequate for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia.

Mechanism of action FERROFOLIN ® Iron + folic acid

FERROFOLIN ® is a medicine that combines two elements that are particularly important in the management of cellular replication processes, especially for cells with a high turnover, such as those of the hematopoietic system, such as iron and folic acid.

More precisely, the protinated iron is a particular molecular complex, which allows to optimize the intestinal absorption of iron using both the divalent metal transporter and the intestinal transporter reserved for organic iron, and thus restoring the correct organic iron pull, important in preserving the structure of different enzymes and above all hemoglobin, the main erythrocyte protein.

At the same time, the folic acid contained in FERROFOLIN ® is able, by acting as a transporter of monocarbonous units, to optimize thymine synthesis by promoting that of nucleic acids and at the same time providing organic detoxification from potentially toxic molecules such as homocysteine.

From the therapeutic point of view however, the use of FERROFOLIN ® is destined above all to support the proliferative and differentiating capacity of cellular elements with intense replicative activity, which guide the correct development of the neural tube and of the nervous system in the unborn child.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRENATAL INTEGRATION

J Nutr. 2012 Mar; 142 (3): 548-54. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

A study that demonstrates how prenatal supplementation with iron and folic acid can preserve fetal development in populations at risk of malnutrition, in a similar way to that done by multivitamin and multimineralic preparations, but at a significantly lower cost.

2. IRON AND FOLATE AS A GUIDANCE IN THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Oct; 83 (4): 843-7.

The intake of iron and folate as adjuvants in malaria therapy is able to effectively restore the hematocrit of children suffering from malaria, guaranteeing a better and faster haematological recovery.

3. FOLIC ACID AND IRON AND NEONATAL MORTALITY

Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan; 95 (1): 220-30. Epub 2011 Dec 14.

Study conducted in Indonesia, on young pregnant women, which showed how the prenatal use of iron-based and folic acid supplements can be effective in reducing the mortality rate in children under the age of 5, especially in the first year of life.

Method of use and dosage

FERROFOLIN ®

Oral solution of 40 mg of iron, in the form of protinated iron, and 0.18 mg of folic acid, as calcium folinate penta hydrate.

Using the single-dose container combined with the product, we recommend the use of 1-2 doses per day in adults, until the normal iron reserves are reconstituted.

The treatment must necessarily be supervised by your doctor, who may decide, depending on the outcome of the blood tests, to prolong the intake of FERROFOLIN ® beyond the prescribed indications.

Warnings FERROFOLIN ® Iron + folic acid

The administration of FERROFOLIN ® should be preceded by a careful medical examination, useful for diagnosing the deficiency status and the possible type of anemia, so that the prescription of the drug is correct and effective.

FERROFOLIN ® contains parahydroxybenzoates, active ingredients with an allergogenic activity.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The therapeutic indication foreseen for FERROFOLIN ®, relative to the treatment of anemic gravidic conditions, allows the use of this drug during pregnancy, provided that this assumption takes place under strict medical supervision.

Interactions

The concomitant administration of iron and tetracycline, antacids, quinolonics or chloramphenicol, could significantly reduce blood concentrations of both active ingredients, unless iron intake occurs at least 2 hours after those of the aforementioned drugs ..

Furthermore, iron could also reduce methyldopa and thyroxine absorption, reducing its therapeutic efficacy.

The simultaneous intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and folic acid, could determine an alteration of folic acid metabolism, with a possible reduction in therapeutic efficacy, while anticonvulsants and antiepileptics could reduce blood concentrations of folates.

Finally, it is useful to remember that some chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressive drugs, used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, may present an antifolic activity.

Contraindications FERROFOLIN ® Iron + folic acid

The use of FERROFOLIN ®, is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, or affected by hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, non-sideropenic anemias, chronic pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Despite the intake of FERROFOLIN ®, at the indicated dosages, it is well tolerated and devoid of particular side effects, the abuse of this product both in the times and in the quantities, could determine the appearance of dark stools, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and pain abs.

In the above cases it is necessary to contact your doctor and stop taking the medicine, until the symptoms regress completely.