Why Ferralet 90?
Ferralet 90 is a prescription oral iron supplement indicated for the treatment of all anemias that are responsive to oral iron therapy. Ferralet 90 contains 90 mg of carbonyl iron as well as essential vitamins and minerals, so patients can replenish iron stores in an effective, safe and tolerable manner.
Ferralet 90 was designed to address the traditional drawbacks of oral iron therapy:
- Ferralet 90 contains carbonyl iron, which works with the body to regulate absorption based on the amount of gastric acid produced.
- The carbonyl iron safety margin is 250 to 300 times greater than that of ferrous sulfate and other iron salts.
- Ferralet 90 is free of lactose and gluten, features a vanilla scent and contains docusate sodium, a gentle and effective stool softener, to help prevent side-effects that may occur in women who are sensitive to iron therapy.
Ferralet 90 builds on the benefits of existing iron supplements, but offers additional vitamins and minerals to increase health benefits:
- Ferralet 90 contains vitamin C to further aid in iron absorption, folic acid to bolster red blood cell development and vitamin B12 to support red blood cell generation.
How Does Ferralet 90 Work?
Ferralet 90 allows the patient's system to define the rate of iron absorption.
- When ingested, carbonyl iron is converted to soluble ionized iron at a rate determined by gastric acid production. The iron is then taken up by the intestinal mucosa and distributed internally. This prolonged solubilization and absorption is the key to carbonyl iron's safety and tolerability.1
About Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in the U.S.2 Adolescent girls and women of childbearing age are at most risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to menstruation.3 One in five women is iron deficient and at risk for developing anemia.4
Ferralet 90 is marketed by Mission Pharmacal Company based in San Antonio, Texas.
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. Ferralet 90 should be kept out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose of Ferralet 90, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Please see full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, for Ferralet 90 at www.ferralet90.com.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Ferralet® 90 is a prescription iron supplement approved for treating anemias that respond to oral iron therapy. Your doctor may prescribe Ferralet® 90 if you have certain anemias associated with pregnancy, blood loss, or metabolic disease, or if you are recovering from surgery or do not have enough iron in your diet.
Important Safety Information
Ferralet® 90 has not been tested in children. Dosing for elderly patients should begin at the lower end of the dosing range.
Talk to your doctor before taking Ferralet® 90 if you have a known sensitivity to any of its ingredients.
Because some medications may interact with Ferralet® 90, you should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including antacids and antibiotics.
Before prescribing iron therapy, your doctor will need to determine the type of anemia you have and identify its underlying causes. You should not take this product if you have been diagnosed with hemolytic anemia or an iron overload disorder such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.
If you have certain forms of anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency (i.e. pernicious anemia), the Folic acid contained in Ferralet® 90 is not enough to treat your condition. Doses of more than 0.1 mg Folic acid per day can hide the symptoms of these anemias, so your doctor must rule them out before prescribing this product.
Once you begin iron therapy with Ferralet® 90, take the product 2 hours after meals, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
When taking Ferralet® 90, you may experience temporary side effects such as GI irritation, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dark stools.
Some patients taking Folic acid have reported allergic reactions. Additionally, Ferralet® 90 contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible people. Although uncommon, tartrazine sensitivity is often seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity. Contact your doctor and discontinue use if you develop any unusual symptoms.
Keep this product out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. Symptoms of overdose include abdominal pain, metabolic acidosis, decline or absence of urine production, nerve damage, coma, convulsions, death, dehydration, congestion of blood vessels, cirrhosis of the liver, low blood pressure, hypothermia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, rapid heart rate, high blood sugar, drowsiness, abnormal pale or bluish skin color, lack of energy, seizures, and shock. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
To report negative side effects, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- Brittenham GM, Klein HG, Kushner JP, Ajioka RS. Preserving the national blood supply. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2001:422-32.
- Iron deficiency--United States, 1999-2000 [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 2002 Oct 11 [accessed 2008 Apr 9]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5140a1.htm.
- Recommendations to prevent and control iron deficiency in the United States [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1998 Apr 3 [accessed 2008 Apr 9]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00051880.htm.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia [Internet]. MayoClinic.com; [cited 2008 May 20]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/anemia/irondeficiencyanemia.html.
