Iron deficiency anemia is very common. You should start taking iron supplements only after an accurate diagnosis is made. Because if taken in over dosage it may cause health problems.
Iron supplements should not be given in iron overload, thalassemia and non iron deficiency anemia. In pregnancy, iron supplements are taken prophylactically for prevention of iron deficiency.
Orofer XT contains Iron (Ferrous ascorbate) and Folic acid. It is used for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia and supplies maintenance dose of folic acid also.
An overdose of iron with folic acid supplements can pose serious health risks, which includes paleness, weak and quick heart beat, nausea and vomiting.
Orofer also contains Iron and Folic acid but the iron present in it is in combination with polymaltose complex which is tolerated well than other ferrous salts like ferrous ascorbate (Orofer XT).
The slower absorption of Orofer increases its safety profile and hence the side effects like gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting and constipation are less with the use of Orofer.
After three months of treatment, both Orofer and Orofer XT give the same result. Hence, I suggest you to prefer Orofer over Orofer XT if you have gastric problem and not able to tolerate iron well.
Hi doctor,
I have attached my mother's report for your reference. Please check them and let me know. Thank you.
I have gone through the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
Her hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and MCV (mean corpuscular volume) are low. This point towards iron deficiency anemia. She needs iron supplementation.
Plain Orofer and Orofer XT both contain iron and folic acid. The only difference is tolerance to the drug.
If she tolerates Orofer XT well and does not develop any side effects like nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation, bloating and constipation, she can take it.
Her MCV is low, she does not have folic acid deficiency but there is no harm in giving folic acid along with iron.
Should I avoid folic acid during MTHFR pregnancy? Query:
Hello doctor,
I am 5 weeks pregnant and I have MTHFR and PAI mutations. My doctor recommended me to take Folic acid. I read it should be avoided during MTHFR pregnancies. Along with that I am on Prozac and Euthyrox. What do you think? What should I do? Please help. Read Full »
Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Truly speaking, MTHFR - methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase mutations are widely spread and all most one half of the population is having or carrying these mutations by different extent. By different extent, I mean to say, various levels of affection or involvement t...
Read Full »
How much Folic acid is required during pregnancy in Crohn's patient? Query:
Hello doctor,
I have Crohn's disease and am pregnant. The first day of my last period was before 40 days and I have been taking multivitamins which includes 400 micrograms of Folic acid for the past four months. I am now pregnant. The doctor said that I need 5 mg of Folic acid due to the Crohns whi... Read Full »
Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your concern.
You need not worry or be anxious about it. Although absorption of Folate may be disturbed because of your Crohns, taking 400 mcg for four months will be good enough. Meaning, you are not deficient from it from the very start but since you are ...
Read Full »
Will eating raw rice result in low hemoglobin? Query:
Hi doctor,
I am suffering from low hemoglobin levels. I have attached my laboratory test report. I have a habit of eating raw rice, which I am suspecting as the reason for this low count. Kindly have a look and prescribe medicines to increase my hemoglobin levels. I am currently taking Orofer XT one... Read Full »
Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I do not think that the raw rice is causing this problem, but you are anemic.
You can continue Orofer XT at daily one tablet for three months without missing. Stop taking raw rice.
I suggest Albendazole 400 mg one tablet a day as this can kill any worms. Consult your ...
Read Full »
