Ferumbo

Ferumbo is an anti-anemic iron (3) drug taken orally. The use of the drug replenishes the deficiency of the Fe element in the body and stimulates the processes of erythropoiesis with hematopoiesis.

The course therapy leads to rapid regression of laboratory and clinical manifestations of anemia. The combination of Fe (3) hydroxide and polymaltose is stable and does not secrete iron in the form of free ions, due to which it does not have some negative effects (staining of teeth, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, metallic taste), which are found in Fe (2) products.

The drug demonstrates high safety indicators.

Indications Ferumbo

It is used for latent iron deficiency, as well as iron deficiency anemia with pronounced clinical symptoms.

It can be used to prevent Fe deficiency during pregnancy or lactation, in women of reproductive age, as well as in adolescents and children, as well as certain groups of adults (for example, the elderly or vegetarians).

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Release form

The drug is produced in the form of syrup, in 50 ml bottles or 100 ml jars. The box contains 1 bottle or jar, which comes with a special dispenser.

Pharmacodynamics

The movement of the element Fe within the blood plasma is carried out with the participation of the γ-globulin transferrin, the binding of which is carried out in the liver. In combination with transferrin, Fe moves to the cells, within which it participates in the binding of myoglobin to hemoglobin, as well as individual enzymes.

The absorbed iron is stored in the form of a compound synthesized with ferritin - mainly in the liver. Trivalent Fe is a participant in the formation of heme, which increases hemoglobin levels.

The use of the drug leads to the gradual elimination of laboratory and clinical (fatigue with weakness and dizziness, as well as dry skin and tachycardia) signs of iron deficiency.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral use of the polymaltose compound of Fe (3) hydroxide, the drug is actively absorbed inside the small intestine and duodenum (the greater the iron deficiency, the higher the degree of its absorption). Active absorption of the drug containing Fe (2) eliminates the occurrence of intoxication, possible in the case of absorption of simple Fe (2) salts, according to the gradient of indicators. Iron contained in the composition of the Fe (3) hydroxide combination together with polymaltose does not have prooxidant activity, which is noted in simple Fe (2) salts.

Dosing and administration

The syrup is consumed with food or immediately after it. It can be mixed with vegetable or fruit juices, as well as nutritious baby formulas.

The daily dose is taken in one or more doses.

The dosage of the drug and the duration of the therapeutic cycle depend on the severity of Fe deficiency.

To correctly calculate the dose of the medicine, you need to use the dispenser included in the kit (with measuring marks of 0.5-2.5 ml). 1 ml of syrup contains 10 mg of Fe.

To eliminate clinically significant deficiency of the element Fe, Ferumbo is used taking into account the following instructions:

• infants up to 12 months of age – 2.5-5 ml of syrup (25-50 mg of substance) per day;
• age groups 1-12 years – 5-10 ml per day (0.05-0.1 g);
• lactating women, adolescents over 12 years of age and adults – 10-30 ml per day (0.1-0.3 g);
• pregnancy period – 20-30 ml per day (0.2-0.3 g).

The therapy is carried out in the described portions until the blood hemoglobin levels are normalized. Then, in order to replenish the Fe depot inside the body's tissues, the medicine is taken for several more subsequent months in dosages that are administered when treating latent iron deficiency (half of the therapeutic portion). The full therapeutic cycle usually lasts at least 4-6 months, until serum ferritin levels stabilize.

In case of latent iron deficiency, as well as to prevent the development of Fe deficiency, the following schemes are used:

• age subcategory 1-12 years – 2.5-5 ml of syrup per day (25-50 mg);
• adolescents aged 12 years and over and lactating women – 5-10 ml per day (0.05-0.1 g);
• pregnant women – 10 ml per day (0.1 g).

Therapy for latent iron deficiency lasts at least 1-2 months (during this time, ferrokinetic values need to be monitored).

To prevent the development of iron deficiency during pregnancy, you need to consume 5-10 ml of syrup (0.05-0.1 g Fe) 1 time per day in the later stages.

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Use Ferumbo during pregnancy

Long-term use of the drug in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters did not cause any negative effects on the woman and fetus. There is also no information on the negative effects of Ferumbo when administered in the 1st trimester.

The use of drugs during breastfeeding or pregnancy is permitted only with a doctor's prescription.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• severe intolerance to the components of the medication;
• excess of Fe in the body (hemosiderosis or -chromatosis);
• types of anemia that are not associated with a lack of Fe (for example, aplastic, hemolytic or pernicious);
• Fe utilization disorder (anemia caused by lead intoxication, thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia);
• esophageal stenosis or other obstructive diseases affecting the digestive system, as well as diverticulum or intestinal obstruction;
• regular blood transfusions;
• use together with parenteral forms of Fe.

It is prohibited to take in case of decreased serum Fe values, as well as in case of anemia caused by tumors or inflammation.

Side effects Ferumbo

Main side effects:

• digestive disorders: occasionally, it is possible to develop pain in the abdominal area (this includes the epigastrium), bloating, vomiting, fullness in the epigastric area, nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea or constipation;
• immune disorders: urticaria, itching, anaphylaxis or rash;
• due to the presence of preservatives (propyl parahydroxybenzoate with methylparaben), signs of allergy may appear (they may be delayed);
• Others: occasional staining of teeth in children may occur; darkening of faeces may also occur due to secretion of unabsorbed Fe (without clinical consequences).

Long-term unjustified administration of Fe drugs can provoke hemosiderosis and constipation.

If negative symptoms develop, the dose of the medicine should be reduced for a short time.

Often, negative symptoms are short-lived and mild.

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Interactions with other drugs

When combined with antacids, iron resorption decreases.

Combination with tocopherol may weaken the therapeutic activity of the Fe element.

Certain foods (dairy products, bread, eggs, coffee and black tea, as well as raw cereals) inhibit the absorption of Fe salts.

Iron salts weaken the resorption of penicillamine, tetracycline, and also sulfasalazine used in combination with them.

Citric and ascorbic acids promote the absorption processes of the Fe component.

Ferumbo does not interfere with occult blood tests, allowing continued therapy while this test is being performed.

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Storage conditions

Ferumbo should be stored in a place inaccessible to small children. Temperature indicators are a maximum of 25°C.

Shelf life

Ferumbo can be used for a 2-year period from the date of manufacture of the medicine. An opened bottle has a 1-month shelf life if stored at a temperature of no more than 25 ° C.

Application for children

The medicine can be prescribed to newborns only with the permission of a doctor, if there are appropriate indications.

It is prohibited to use the syrup for therapy of latent Fe deficiency or for prevention of its deficiency in children under 1 year of age.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are LS Maltofer, Hemozhet with Profer and Iron Saccharate.

Reviews

Ferumbo receives mostly good reviews from patients. The medicine demonstrates high efficiency, providing the necessary result. Also, the advantages include low cost and release form - sweet syrup is much easier to give to small children.