From the Guidelines
Livogen (Iron, Ferrous sulfate) is used to treat iron deficiency anemia.
Uses of Livogen
- It is a form of oral iron supplementation, which is often the least expensive and a reasonable choice to start with 1.
- Oral iron supplementation is recommended as the first-line treatment in patients with iron deficiency or mild anemia, whose disease is clinically inactive, and who have not been previously intolerant to oral iron 1.
- The typical dose of oral iron supplements is 100-200 mg/day, in divided doses 1.
- Ferrous sulfate is a commonly used oral iron supplement, which can be taken at a dose of 200 mg twice daily 1.
- It is essential to continue oral iron supplementation for 3 months after the iron deficiency has been corrected to replenish body stores 1.
- In cases where oral iron supplementation is not effective or tolerated, parenteral iron supplementation may be considered 1.
- Vitamin C may enhance iron absorption, and taking iron with 80 mg ascorbic acid on an empty stomach can improve iron absorption 1.
- However, it is crucial to note that tea and coffee are powerful inhibitors of iron absorption and should not be consumed within an hour after taking iron 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Purpose Iron Supplement Therapy Ferrous Sulphate is an iron supplement for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia when the need for such therapy has been determined by a physician.
- Indication: Livogen (Iron, Ferrous sulfate) is used for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
- Key use: It is an iron supplement used when the need for such therapy has been determined by a physician 2.
From the Research
Uses of Livogen (Iron, Ferrous sulfate)
- Livogen, which contains iron in the form of ferrous sulfate, is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia and pre-anemic iron deficiency 3.
- Ferrous sulfate is the simplest, least expensive, and most commonly prescribed drug for iron deficiency 3.
- It is used as a first-line treatment for iron-deficiency anemia, and is usually efficacious in correcting the condition and replenishing iron stores 3.
- However, oral iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate can cause gastrointestinal side effects, which may reduce compliance 3, 4, 5.
- Ferrous sulfate is also used to treat iron deficiency anemia in women, particularly those with chronic iron loss due to menstruation 5.
Comparison with Other Iron Supplements
- Ferrous sulfate has been compared to other iron supplements, such as lactoferrin, in terms of efficacy and tolerability 6.
- Lactoferrin supplementation has been shown to have better effects on serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin concentration compared to ferrous sulfate 6.
- However, ferrous sulfate remains a commonly used and effective treatment for iron-deficiency anemia, despite its potential gastrointestinal side effects 3, 4, 7, 5.