From the Guidelines
Ferrocite is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia, containing ferrous fumarate, a form of iron that helps the body produce red blood cells and transport oxygen throughout the body. According to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia in adults 1, Ferrocite is available in tablet form with each tablet containing about 200 mg of ferrous fumarate, equivalent to approximately 65 mg of elemental iron. The usual adult dosage is one tablet 1-3 times daily, preferably taken on an empty stomach with water or juice for better absorption, though it can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Some key points to consider when taking Ferrocite include:
- Common side effects include constipation, dark stools, stomach discomfort, and nausea
- To maximize absorption, avoid taking Ferrocite with calcium supplements, dairy products, coffee, tea, or antacids, as these can interfere with iron absorption
- For best results, take vitamin C (such as orange juice) with Ferrocite to enhance iron absorption
- Iron supplements like Ferrocite work by replenishing iron stores in the body, which are essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport, helping to alleviate symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin
It's also important to note that the optimal drug, dosage, and timing of oral iron replacement therapy (IRT) for adults with iron deficiency anemia are not clearly defined, and the effect of alternate day therapy on compliance and ultimate haematological response are unclear 1. However, a once daily dose of 50–100 mg of elemental iron (e.g., one ferrous sulfate 200 mg tablet a day) taken in the fasting state may be the best compromise option for initial treatment. Regular hemoglobin (Hb) monitoring is recommended to ensure an ultimately satisfactory response, with the optimal interval being every 4 weeks until the Hb is in the normal range 1.
In cases where oral iron is not effective or tolerated, intravenous iron supplementation may be considered, as it has been shown to be effective in improving hematologic response rates and reducing transfusion rates in patients with cancer-related anemia 1. However, the use of intravenous iron should be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate oral iron or have not responded to oral iron supplementation, due to its higher cost and potential risks 1.
From the Research
Definition of Ferrocite
- Ferrocite is an iron supplement, likely containing ferrous salts, used to treat iron deficiency anemia 2, 3, 4.
Forms of Iron Supplementation
- Iron supplements can be administered orally or intravenously, with oral therapy being the preferred method 2, 5, 3.
- Oral iron supplements can be in the form of ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous sulfate 2, 3, 6, 4.
Dosage and Efficacy
- The recommended dosage for oral iron supplementation varies, but 100 mg of ferrous fumarate per day may be sufficient for symptom-free patients with anemia 2.
- Lower doses of iron, such as 19 mg or 38 mg of ferrous gluconate, may be effective for treating iron deficiency anemia with fewer side effects 6.
- Intravenous iron supplementation may be more effective in specific conditions, such as dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency, heart failure, or active inflammatory bowel disease 2, 5.