How to Take Maltofer (Iron Supplement) 2 Times Daily
Take Maltofer twice daily with meals or at bedtime to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, and continue treatment for 3 months after your hemoglobin normalizes to fully replenish iron stores. 1, 2
Optimal Timing and Administration
Take your doses with food or at bedtime to reduce common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. 1, 2
Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart (e.g., morning and evening with meals). 2
While iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, taking it with food is acceptable if you experience side effects—the improved tolerability outweighs the modest reduction in absorption. 3
What to Avoid
Do not take Maltofer with tea, coffee, milk, or antacids, as these substances significantly reduce iron absorption. 3, 2
Avoid calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods at the same time as your iron dose, as calcium interferes with iron absorption. 3
Duration of Treatment
Continue taking Maltofer for approximately 3 months after your hemoglobin returns to normal to ensure adequate repletion of your iron stores. 1, 2
Your doctor should check your hemoglobin response after 2-4 weeks of therapy to confirm the treatment is working. 3, 2
If your hemoglobin doesn't rise by at least 10 g/L after 2 weeks, this strongly predicts treatment failure and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan. 3, 2
Managing Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort—these affect many patients taking oral iron. 2, 4
If side effects persist despite taking with food, contact your doctor about switching to a different iron formulation or considering alternate-day dosing. 1, 2
For severe intolerance or if you have conditions affecting iron absorption (like inflammatory bowel disease or previous gastric surgery), intravenous iron may be more appropriate. 1, 4
Important Monitoring
Your doctor should monitor your iron status (ferritin and transferrin saturation) periodically during treatment to assess response and guide duration of therapy. 1, 4
Report any persistent symptoms like fatigue, exercise intolerance, or difficulty concentrating, as these may indicate inadequate response to treatment. 4