Maltofer or Ferrum Lek - comparison of products and which is better

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Iron supplements for low hemoglobin in adults and children are a common medical prescription. Coming to the pharmacy, a person is overwhelmed by the abundance of drugs. They differ in the valence of iron (divalent or trivalent), in the type of iron compound (organic - gyuconates, malates, succinates, chelate forms and inorganic - sulfates, chlorides, hydroxides), in the method of administration (oral - tablets, drops, syrups and parenteral - intramuscular and intravenous forms).

If your doctor recommends the best iron supplement for the treatment of anemia, then in order to preventively increase iron reserves in the blood, you often have to figure out all this disgraceful variety on your own. We will analyze drugs that are effective for iron deficiency.

Description of the drug "Maltofer"

The action of Maltofer is to replenish iron deficiency . This medication has a number of advantages, one of which is its similarity to the natural iron compound - ferritin.

"Maltofer" is available in four forms: tablets, injections, drops and syrups. Tablets are the most common way to use the drug. Injections are prescribed in cases where the patient has problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Drops and syrups help control the dosage of the drug.

The product has a number of contraindications, the main of which are: anemia not associated with iron deficiency, excess iron in the body, hypersensitivity and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, although this product is available without a prescription, you should consult your doctor before using it.

List of the best antianemic drugs

The list of antianemic drugs quickly absorbed into the blood includes drugs whose action is based on the best iron derivatives. In the correct concentration and with the necessary side components, they enter the blood literally within an hour after consumption. Among the most popular recently are the following titles:

Most of the products described in the table are sold strictly according to prescription. That is why you will have to visit a therapist or pediatrician before purchasing. You should not choose the drug yourself. The fact is that some are not suitable for allergy sufferers, while others pose a danger to pregnant women. Therefore, it is impossible to do without taking into account the doctor’s opinion.

Ferlatum Foul

Ferlatum Fol is usually prescribed for the treatment of latent and clinically pronounced iron deficiency, that is, for various types of anemia. At the same time, the product is suitable for the prevention of anemia in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in those who have an unbalanced or inadequate diet. Basic information about Ferlatum Fola is as follows:

• the drug is a solution for oral administration or powder for dilution;
• The dosage schedule and daily amount are prescribed taking into account age and general condition of the body;
• The average price for a medicine is 666 rubles.

Side effects are rare. But the possibility of gastrointestinal disorders cannot be denied. The negative effects of taking Ferlatum Fola disappear when the dose is reduced or the drug is stopped altogether. It is important to note that it is contraindicated in cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and chronic pancreatitis.

The drug Maltofer

Maltofer is intended to replenish iron deficiency in the body. This universal remedy is suitable for the treatment of iron deficiency without anemia and the treatment of clinically significant iron deficiency anemia. That is why it is considered one of the most popular iron-containing drugs on the market. You should remember the following features of Maltofer:

• you can choose drops, syrup, solution, chewable tablets are also available;
• the dosage depends on the degree of the disease, the form of the medicine and the age of the patient, that is, it is strictly individual;
• the price for Maltofer ranges between 241 and 583 rubles.

Maltofer is allowed during pregnancy and lactation, but it should be used with caution. It is prohibited for children under 12 years of age, those who suffer from improper absorption of iron, from an overload of this metal or from a lack of sucrose in the blood. The drug is produced strictly according to a prescription, so it is impossible to do without prior consultation with a doctor.

Medicine Fenyuls

Fenyuls is a complex enzyme preparation with iron and a basic set of vitamins. It helps to cope with vitamin deficiency, serves to prevent anemia and to eliminate residual symptoms of the disease. Fenyuls is allowed for pregnant and lactating women. Basic information about the drug is as follows:

• it is available in capsule form;
• given one capsule per day for 30 days, for prevention the dose is halved;
• the product will cost 234-346 Russian rubles.

Enzymes are strictly contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the composition, hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis. Pediatricians also oppose the use of Fenyuls if the patient is under 18 years old. Potential side effects include vomiting, allergies, constipation, diarrhea, eating disorders, or worsening liver disease.

Sorbifer Durules tablets

Sorbifer Durules is indicated for iron deficiency, for anemia caused by a lack of metal in the blood, as well as during the prevention of iron deficiency. Typically, preventive measures are needed by donors or women carrying a child. Some features of Sorbifer should be remembered:

• sold in the form of 100 milligram tablets in a digestible coating;
• adults and adolescents are given up to two tablets, each of which is important to drink generously;
• the average cost in the regions is 395-774 rubles, in large cities it is slightly higher.

There is an impressive list of contraindications for the use of Sorbifer Durules. First of all, it should not be given to those who are prone to allergies to the smallest components of the composition. It is also not recommended for esophageal stenosis, impaired iron utilization, or increased metal content in the body.

Paradoxically, Sorbifer is given to pregnant women, but the medicine is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age.

With caution and only after the doctor's approval, this medicine can be given for duodenal and gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory processes in the intestines. If the intake standards are ignored, the patient experiences vomiting, increased body temperature, dizziness, and lack of performance.

Totem solution

Totema is suitable for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency in adults and children from three months of age. In this case, the cause of the disease may be hidden both behind bleeding and increased metal consumption, for example, due to pregnancy. Sometimes Totema helps if the body does not properly absorb iron. It is important to note that:

• the product is sold in dark ampoules of 10 milliliters and is a weakly concentrated solution;
• standard adult dose is 100-200 micrograms, that is, 2-4 ampoules per day;
• the drug costs from 492 to 757 Russian rubles, you can actually find better offers online.

But the remedy is contraindicated in many situations. It is not given if there is intoxication with lead, manganese or copper, if there is a tendency to allergic reactions, or if there is a deficiency of sugar or isomaltose. Risks arise if Totem is injected into children under three months old. This usually leads to developmental delays or worsening anemia.

Ferretab capsules

Ferretab is prescribed for iron deficiency conditions, as well as if the goal of the recipient is to prevent anemia. The product helps with iron absorption disorders, metal deficiency during pregnancy, and bleeding. Occasionally, the cause of intake is poor nutrition. The characteristics of the medicine are as follows:

• the medication is available in small digestible capsules;
• used on an empty stomach, most often one capsule per day is enough;
• the average price starts from 340-397 rubles per package.

A few side effects from Ferratab include a feeling of bloating in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting. Slightly less often, patients experience allergic reactions and urticaria of varying severity. In case of overdose, there are no serious consequences, but increased side effects cannot be ruled out.

Actiferrin in the form of drops

Aktiferin is a drug directly intended for the treatment of anemia. From 10% to 15% of the pure iron supplied with the medicine is absorbed into the blood vessels directly from the duodenum. Such indicators make Aktiferin drops one of the leaders in articles about which iron-containing drugs are better for low hemoglobin. Do not forget:

• the product is produced and marketed in the form of drops for oral administration;
• the duration of treatment and dosage are calculated by the doctor depending on the person’s weight and the severity of the disease;
• cost - from 295 rubles for a small package.

The possibility of an overdose of Actiferrin cannot be ruled out, since the course is always prescribed individually. Symptoms of excess drug in the body include decreased blood pressure, pallor, abdominal pain, and in the worst case, coma. Possible side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea or skin allergies. In order not to encounter the negative aspects of the drug, you need to remember the prohibitions on use. It is not given to allergy sufferers, people with anemia not associated with iron deficiency, as well as people with fructose and galactose intolerance.

Medicine Venofer

Venofer is considered the best medicine for quickly raising iron levels in the blood. It is also prescribed to patients who cannot tolerate other drugs with a similar algorithm of action, to those who violate the treatment schedule or started it too late. Venofer is suitable if a person suffers from intestinal diseases. Remember, that:

• the medication is a solution for intravenous administration in ampoules of 5 milliliters;
• the dosage is always prescribed by a doctor, since Venofer is administered by drip, jet or intravenously;
• The drug is quickly absorbed, but is expensive: you will have to pay up to 2859 Russian rubles for a package.

If you choose the wrong dosage, serious side effects can occur. The main symptoms of hemosiderosis usually appear. The use of iron-binding agents, as well as symptomatic medications, can help. Sometimes patients experience dizziness, bronchospasms, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or abdominal pain.

The greatest risks are associated with intravenous administration of the drug, even deaths have been recorded.

It is worth identifying contraindications to the use of Venofer. It is prohibited for pregnant women in the first trimester, with forms of anemia not associated with iron deficiency, with hypersensitivity to components or to the active substance. Venofer should be given with caution to asthmatics, allergy sufferers, people with elevated ferritin in the blood and with diseases of the thyroid and pancreas.

Medicine Ferrofolgamma

A medicine from Germany called Ferrofolgamma quickly raises iron levels in the blood. It is prescribed for the treatment of iron-folate-B12-deficiency anemia, gastric or intestinal bleeding, and hemorrhoids. Sometimes this remedy helps with decreased thyroid function, that is, with hypothyroidism. Due to its easily digestible and relatively harmless composition, Ferrofolgamma can be used for anemia during pregnancy or lactation, and in the treatment of oncology. You should know that:

• the drug is produced in capsules; depending on the price, different numbers of blisters are offered;
• it is taken orally, shortly after meals, the typical dose is one capsule three times a day;
• The approximate cost of the package is 798 Russian rubles, but you can save a lot when purchasing online.

Ferrofolgamma is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components, with anemia not associated with a lack of iron in the body, with hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, with disorders of metal excretion. Side effects from taking the medication cannot be ruled out. Most often, doctors record nausea, urticaria or anaphylactic shock.

Description of the drug "Ferrum Lek"

Ferrum Lek is an analogue of Maltofer. The medicine is classified as an antianemic drug . Just like Maltofer, it has an active substance - iron Ⅲ hydroxide polymaltosate. Like all drugs of a similar pharmacological group, it is aimed at replenishing the lack of iron in the body.

Ferrum Lek is available in three forms: tablets, injections and syrups. The difference in release forms is justified by the same factors as its analogue.

List of iron supplements for low hemoglobin for adults and children

What is common between the drugs "Maltofer" and "Ferrum Lek"

If you open the recipes for the drugs Maltofer and Ferrum Lek, you will find that they are identical to each other. These medications have the same composition, pharmacological group, indications for use and contraindications.

Both “Maltofer” and “Ferrum Lek” are approved for use by children from 12 years of age, and they are also prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women. While expecting a baby, the expectant mother often experiences iron deficiency anemia, therefore, to treat this disease, doctors can prescribe any of these medications. In addition, the development of anemia can occur during menstruation and loss of virginity of a girl. Iron-containing medications will also come to the rescue.

It should be remembered that when using these medications, side effects such as “black-purple tongue” and “dark feces” may occur. If you notice these symptoms, you should not be alarmed; these are frequent manifestations of the effects of drugs. If the symptoms do not go away over time, then you should consult a doctor.

Causes of iron deficiency

The body contains from 3 to 5 grams of iron. Most of it (75-80%) is found in red blood cells, part of it is found in muscle tissue (5-10%), about 1% is part of many enzymes in the body. The bone marrow, spleen and liver are sites for storing reserve iron.

Iron is involved in vital processes in our body, which is why it is so important to maintain a balance between its intake and loss. When the rate of iron excretion is higher than the rate of intake, various iron deficiency conditions develop.

If a person is healthy, then the removal of iron from our body is insignificant. Iron content is controlled largely by changing the level of its absorption in the intestines. In food, iron is presented in two forms: Fe III (trivalent) and Fe II (divalent). When inorganic iron enters the digestive tract, it dissolves and iron ions and chelate compounds are formed.

Chelated forms of iron are best absorbed. Ascorbic acid promotes the formation of iron chelates. In addition, fructose, succinic and citric acids, and amino acids (for example, cysteine, lysine, histidine) help chelate iron.

Causes of iron deficiency:

• Reduced efficiency of iron absorption in the digestive tract (increased speed of food passage through the digestive tract, the presence of inflammation in the intestines, surgical interventions on the intestines and stomach, digestive disorders, etc.);
• Increasing the body's need for iron (during intensive growth, pregnancy, lactation, etc.);
• Reduced iron intake due to dietary habits (anorexia, vegetarianism, etc.);
• Acute and chronic blood loss (gastric bleeding from ulcers, bleeding in the intestines, kidneys, nasal, uterine and other localizations);
• As a consequence of tumor diseases, long-term inflammatory processes;
• Reduced synthesis of iron transport proteins (for example, transferrin);
• Destruction of blood cells with subsequent loss of iron (hemolytic anemia);
• Increased intake of calcium into the body - more than 2 g/day;
• Lack of microelements (cobalt, copper).

The body constantly loses iron in feces, urine, sweat, hair, nails, and during menstruation.

The male body loses 0.8-1 mg of iron per day. Women lose more iron during menstruation. Women lose an additional 0.5 mg of iron per month. With a blood loss of 30 ml, the body is deprived of 15 mg of iron. Iron consumption increases significantly in pregnant and nursing mothers.

Iron losses exceeding 2 mg/day lead to the development of iron deficiency. Since the body is not able to replenish more than 2 mg of iron per day.

Iron deficiency occurs more often in women also because they store 3 times less iron than men. And the incoming iron does not always cover the costs.

In Russia, hidden iron deficiency in some areas reaches 50%. Almost 12% of girls of childbearing age have iron deficiency. 75-95% of all anemia in pregnant women are iron deficiency. Lack of iron in pregnant women can lead to weakness in labor, miscarriages, excess blood loss during childbirth, decreased lactation, and decreased birth weight.

The use of iron supplements in pregnant women to reduce the risk of anemia is justified in the third trimester, and the use continues for 2-3 months after birth. Supplemental sources of iron are not prescribed to full-term newborns in the first 3 months. Premature infants are given iron supplements earlier.

The required daily intake of iron for boys is 0.35-0.7 mg/day. In girls before the onset of menstruation - 0.3-0.45 mg.

What can reduce iron intake from food:

• Excess phosphates in food;
• Oxalic acid contained in some plants;
• Tannin, which gives a tart taste, reduces the absorption of iron;
• Tea reduces iron intake by 60%, coffee by 40%;
• Phytate found in wheat bran, rice, nuts and corn;
• Excessive fiber content in food;
• Substances that neutralize hydrochloric acid of the stomach - antacids;
• Egg white, soy and milk protein;
• Some preservatives, such as EDTA.

The difference between the drugs "Maltofer" and "Ferrum Lek"

It is difficult to distinguish the differences between the drugs Maltofer and Ferrum Lek, however, it is worth paying attention to their excipients . The medicine "Ferrum Lek" contains a chocolate shock absorber, so this product, unlike its analogue, will be sweeter. This indicator may be a plus for those with a sweet tooth, but a minus for patients who cannot tolerate this supplement.

In addition, some patients experience fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract when taking Ferrum Lek. This unpleasant effect is associated with the presence of substances in the composition: macrogol 6000 and aspartame . This side effect is especially observed in young children, since their digestive system organs are not fully developed.

These medications differ by country - they are produced in Switzerland, and Maltofer is the brainchild of Slovenia.

There are both positive and negative reviews about these drugs on various forums. When comparing Maltofer and Ferrum Lek, the majority give preference to supporting the former.

FERLATUM FOL

Name:

Ekaterina Hristolyubova
Review:
I took this drug during pregnancy, it really helped increase hemoglobin. Unlike other medications, it did not cause stomach pain

Name:

Lyudmila Aksakova
Review:
My sister has anemia, we recommended taking this solution. The price is not bad. Tell me, are there any adequate reviews for this drug? Or is it better to look for cheaper analogues? And do they exist?

Name:

Olga Moskvina
Review:
Ferlatum foul - after 1 and only use during pregnancy to increase hemoglobin, the throat became swollen and a runny nose began. After several hours it turned into a terrible sore throat, the next morning my chronic sinusitis woke up and very quickly progressed to a critical condition.

Name:

Olympics
Review:
There are no analogues to this drug. I have low hemoglobin and I am 2 weeks away from giving birth. The doctor advised me to drink it for a week. Not available in pharmacies, had to wait to order. It arrived within two days. I barely figured out how and where to press, the VX was disgusting, my stomach was a little numb. After taking each shark I feel bad, have problems with bowel movements, and feel nauseous. For now I endure and drink. Expensive, but probably worth it

Name:

Rana
Review:
I gave it to my daughter for 7 months when she was 3 years old, as prescribed by our doctor. And he really helped her! There was no constipation or other side effects! Now I want to start giving it to my son using the same scheme! The drug is great!

Name:

Margarita Shashkarova
Review:
Ferlatum foul - after 1 and only use during pregnancy to increase hemoglobin, the throat became swollen and a runny nose began. After several hours it turned into a terrible sore throat, the next morning my chronic sinusitis woke up and very quickly progressed to a critical condition.

Name:

TK Trans LLC
Review:
I took the course for 20 days. There are almost no side effects. It might weaken quite a bit. 35 weeks pregnant. but I understand that 20 days is really not enough to change hemoglobin. I think there is nothing bad in this drug. I'll drink more, we'll see.

Which is better: Maltofer or Ferrum Lek?

Suffering from an illness associated with iron deficiency, people often wonder which drug is better: Maltofer or Ferrum Lek. As mentioned above, medications are similar in their action and composition, so it is difficult to give an exact answer.

The choice of remedy is often determined by the method of administration . In cases where a large dose of medication is required, for example, with large blood losses, tablets, syrups and drops will not give the desired effect. In such cases, intramuscular or intravenous injections of Ferrum Lek will help, since Maltofer has less than a milligram of the main active ingredient.

Comparison of the effectiveness of Ferrum Lek and Maltofer

The effectiveness of Ferrum Lek is quite similar to Maltofer - this means that the ability of the medicinal substance to provide the maximum possible effect is similar.
For example, if the therapeutic effect of Ferrum Lek is more pronounced, then using Maltofer even in large doses will not achieve this effect.

Also, the speed of therapy - an indicator of the speed of therapeutic action - is approximately the same for Ferrum Lek and Maltofer. And bioavailability, that is, the amount of a drug reaching its site of action in the body, is similar. The higher the bioavailability, the less it will be lost during absorption and use by the body.

Comparison of safety of Ferrum Lek and Maltofer

The safety of a drug includes many factors.

At the same time, in Ferrum Lek it is quite similar to Maltofer. It is important where the drug is metabolized: drugs are excreted from the body either unchanged or in the form of products of their biochemical transformations. Metabolism occurs spontaneously, but most often involves major organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, brain and others. When assessing metabolism in Ferrum Lek, as well as in Maltofer, we look at which organ is the metabolizing organ and how critical the effect on it is.

The risk-benefit ratio is when the prescription of a drug is undesirable, but justified under certain conditions and circumstances, with the obligatory observance of caution in use. At the same time, Ferrum Lek does not have any risks when used, just like Maltofer.

Also, when calculating safety, it is taken into account whether only allergic reactions occur or possible dysfunction of the main organs. In other matters, as well as the reversibility of the consequences of using Ferrum Lek and Maltofer.

VENOFER

Name:

Elena Medvetskaya
Review:
My legs are very swollen after IVs with the drug venofer. How long will it take for the swelling to go away?

Name:

MaoCzeDun
Review:
Yesterday, 5 mg of Venofer was injected intravenously, as a result, 4 hours after the drip, the temperature rose to 37.8. Before the drip, there were no signs of acute respiratory infections. On the second day after the drip, the temperature returned to normal - 36.6. I'm pregnant, my hemoglobin naturally decreases. I was prescribed intravenous venofer because I cannot absorb iron through tablets. I am not allergic and such a reaction to venofer was a shock for me. I do not recommend taking this medicine if you have problems absorbing iron. In this case, in my opinion, it is necessary to do a more detailed study to determine the reasons for the inability of iron to be absorbed by the body. Before the drip, I asked my doctors about the side effects that I might experience after the drip. But both doctors, as one, insisted that venofer is very easily tolerated and there will be no side effects from it. I strongly advise all patients to read the instructions before use, namely, about side effects.

Name:

Lesya G
Review:
I took oral forms of iron-containing drugs for several months, but the hemoglobin level remained unchanged (82-86). The doctor prescribed venofer intravenously. After the first injection, the temperature rose in the evening. Seals formed at the injection sites (they did not go away in three weeks ), the doctors attributed it to a vascular reaction. During the administration of the drug, the heart began to bother me (stabbing and aching pains). During the first five droppers, the hemoglobin remained the same, five more were prescribed. As a result, the NP was filled with 10 units. After three weeks, severe dizziness was noted, high fatigue, constantly makes you sleepy (before taking these symptoms there were no symptoms). I will not use the drug again. I agree with the previous commentator, you need to look for the cause, and not remove the symptoms.

Comparison of addiction in Ferrum Lek and Maltofer

Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.

Thus, the totality of the values ​​of such parameters as “o syndrome” in Ferrum Lek is quite similar to the similar values ​​in Maltofer. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, in Ferrum Lek the meaning of the “syndrome” is quite small, however, the same as in Maltofer.

Comparison of side effects of Ferrum Lek and Maltofer

Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.

Ferrum Lek's side effects are almost the same as Maltofer's. They both have few side effects. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low, that is, the indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect of treatment are possible and registered is low. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of Ferrum Lek are similar to Maltofer: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all.

Rules for taking iron supplements

Iron supplements are used to reduce the risk of iron deficiency conditions, as well as in the complex treatment of anemia.

Traditionally, treatment begins with oral tablets. Preference is given to drugs that can provide a rapid increase in hemoglobin in the blood with a low risk of side effects.

Usually they start with high doses of iron: 100-200 mg/day. This amount of iron can compensate for the body’s costs of producing the required amount of hemoglobin. When the dosage exceeds 200 mg/day, side effects are observed much more often.

If the drug is chosen correctly, hemoglobin returns to normal within 15-30 days. When blood counts reach the desired values, the iron supplement is continued to be taken for at least 2 months to replenish iron reserves (in the bone marrow, liver, spleen).

How to take iron supplements correctly:

• Before or during meals. Bioavailability does not depend on the time of day, but there are recommendations to take it in the evening;
• It is recommended to drink with clean water;
• Do not drink with milk, coffee, tea due to decreased absorption;
• You should not combine oral iron supplements with drugs that block the production or neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid: antacids (baking soda, phosphalugel, almagel, gastal, rennie, etc.), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, etc.);
• Iron supplements affect the action of some antibiotics, so taking these drugs should be separated by 2 hours;
• Taking iron supplements is not compatible with drinking alcohol. Alcohol enhances iron absorption and increases the risk of iron toxicity;
• Iron absorption will not be affected by magnesium (Magnesium B6, Magnelis, Cardiomagnyl, Magnesium Chelate), but extreme doses of calcium of 2 grams or higher may reduce it.