What is OptiferrA (Iron supplement)?

From the Guidelines

Optifera, an oral iron supplement containing ferrous fumarate, should be taken at a dose of 50-100 mg of elemental iron per day, preferably on an empty stomach, to effectively treat iron deficiency anemia, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The treatment duration usually ranges from 3-6 months to replenish iron stores completely, even after symptoms improve. It is essential to take Optifera with vitamin C-rich foods or orange juice to enhance absorption, but avoid taking it with dairy products, tea, coffee, or calcium supplements which can reduce absorption. Some key points to consider when taking Optifera include:

• Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing to minimize side effects
• Taking with food if necessary, although this may reduce absorption
• Ensuring adequate fluid and fiber intake to minimize constipation
• Monitoring for common side effects such as constipation, black stools, nausea, and stomach discomfort Optifera works by providing iron, an essential component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body, thus addressing symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and pallor associated with iron deficiency. According to the latest guidelines, if a patient cannot tolerate oral iron or if blood counts or iron stores do not improve with oral iron supplementation, intravenous iron supplementation should be considered 1. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels is recommended to ensure an ultimately satisfactory response, with the optimal interval being every 4 weeks until the hemoglobin is in the normal range 1. In cases where oral iron is not effective, parenteral iron may be a suitable alternative, especially in patients with chronic disease, continuing blood loss, impaired absorption, or GI inflammatory pathology 1.

From the Research

Iron Deficiency and OptiferA

• There is no direct information available on "optiferA" in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• However, the studies discuss iron deficiency, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Iron deficiency is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, exercise intolerance, and difficulty concentrating 2.
• The most common causes of iron deficiency are bleeding, impaired iron absorption, inadequate dietary iron intake, and pregnancy 2.
• Treatment options for iron deficiency include oral iron supplementation, such as ferrous sulfate, and intravenous iron therapy 2, 3, 4, 5.

Treatment Options

• Oral iron supplementation is usually the first line of treatment for iron deficiency 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Ferrous sulfate is a commonly used iron supplement, but it can cause gastrointestinal side effects 3, 4, 5.
• Lactoferrin supplementation has been shown to have better effects on serum iron parameters and hemoglobin levels compared to ferrous sulfate 5.
• Intravenous iron therapy can be used for patients who do not tolerate or have impaired absorption of oral iron, those with ongoing blood loss, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions 2, 3.

Diagnosis and Screening

• Iron deficiency is diagnosed by low serum ferritin or transferrin saturation 2.
• Testing for iron deficiency is indicated for patients with anemia and/or symptoms of iron deficiency, and should be considered for those with risk factors such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, or inflammatory bowel disease 2.