Our body needs iron to ensure that the process of oxidation in tissues normally takes place. It is also needed for the formation of hemoglobin. With its lack, iron deficiency anemia can occur. In some cases, iron preparations are prescribed for prophylaxis during pregnancy, during lactation. Anemia can also occur in blood donors.
Essential drugs
When a low level of hemoglobin is detected, patients are prescribed special medications that can compensate for iron deficiency in the body. But it is better to do this after a special analysis. During its implementation, the level of iron, saturated transferrins and ferritin is determined in the blood serum.
When confirming the diagnosis, the drug "Sorbifer" is often prescribed. Its analogues can also be used. The main thing is that they contain ferrous sulfate. Other auxiliary components that contribute to its absorption are also important. The composition of the "Sorbifer" includes320 mg ferrous sulfate (corresponding to 100 mg Fe2+) and 60 mg vitamin C.
In addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to adjust the diet. The menu should include a large amount of meat, liver and other foods high in iron.
Effect of drugs
Any analogue of Sorbifer, as well as the indicated drug, is prescribed for iron deficiency in the body. They are recommended for anemia, during periods of increased need for this element (for example, during pregnancy, lactation, intensive growth, or after suffering serious illnesses).
Means "Sorbifer Durules" is made using a special technology. It provides a gradual release of iron ions over a long period of time. The active ingredient begins to work in the intestine due to the fact that the plastic matrix is not destroyed by gastric juice. It breaks down in the intestines. The ascorbic acid contained in the preparation accelerates the absorption of iron. This process occurs in the duodenum and in the proximal jejunum.
Possible analogues
According to the manufacturers of Sorbifer Durules, taking this particular drug at 100 mg twice a day ensures that 30% more iron enters the patient's body than when using other drugs.
But the analogue of "Soribefer" called "Fenuls 100" also begins to work only in the intestines. Tablets do not dissolve under the influence of gastric juice. This product contains 100 mg of iron and60 mg ascorbic acid.
If you wish, you can buy an analogue of "Sorbifer" cheaper. It is sold under the name "Tardiferon". It includes 80 mg of iron, ascorbic acid and other excipients.
Ferrogradumet tablets contain 105 mg of iron. With iron deficiency anemia, the doctor may also prescribe Ferrograd, Erifer, Ferroplex, Ferrograd C, Aktiferrin.
Pricing policy
If the doctor has prescribed Sorbifer for you, you can look for cheap analogues, because they can also come up. A package of 50 tablets of the original drug costs about 475 rubles. But for 30 tablets of the Fenuls remedy, only 180 rubles will have to be paid. The dosage and list of active substances are the same.
But if you wish, you can purchase another analogue of Sorbifer. If the doctor allows, then it can be replaced with the "Tardiferon" remedy. A package of 30 tablets of this anti-anemic drug costs about 200 rubles. German capsules "Aktiferin", consisting of ferrous sulfate and D, L-serine, will cost 315 rubles. (pack of 50).
But it is necessary to choose the most suitable replacement only with your doctor. It is advisable to do this after examining the blood serum and determining not only the level of hemoglobin, but also the concentration of iron.
Dosage selection
The doctor should prescribe how many tablets or capsules to drink to the patient, taking into account the results of the tests. But, as a rule, it is recommended to use 1 tablet 2once a day the drug "Sorbifer". In this case, analogues are assigned according to a similar scheme.
For preventive purposes, adolescents and adults need only 1 tablet of Sorbifer. The same amount of this drug is prescribed for pregnant women. For medicinal purposes, expectant mothers are usually recommended to drink 2 tablets. It makes no sense to look for an analogue of Sorbifer for pregnant women, because this drug can be taken during this period of life. If the expectant mother wants to choose a cheaper remedy, then she can consult a doctor and find out if it can be noticed with Tardiferon. Also for these purposes, the tool "Fenuls 100" is suitable. For the treatment of anemia in pregnant women, it is enough to drink 1 tablet in the 2nd trimester and 2 in the 3rd trimester.
When iron deficiency anemia is detected in adults, they may be prescribed 3-4 tablets of Sorbifer, which must be divided into 2 doses. The course usually lasts up to 3-4 months, until the iron depot is replenished.
Contraindications
- obstructive changes in the digestive tract;
- esophageal stenosis;
- hemolytic anemia;
- violation of the iron utilization process (lead anemia, sideroblastic anemia);
- period after stomach resection;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer (stomach or duodenum);
- hypersensitivity to the components of the product;
- bleeding.
In all these cases, it is advisable to refuse to take the "Sorbifer" remedy. Analogs are cheap in this casealso won't fit. If iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed with concomitant diseases, then first of all it is necessary to stop the problem, and then deal with the restoration of iron levels.
In inflammatory bowel disease, drugs should be used with caution. Carefully monitor your condition is necessary for diverticulitis, enteritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
Possible Complications
Do not forget that side effects may appear if you are taking Sorbifer. An analogue - Russian, French or Indian - can give the same complications as the indicated original remedy produced in Hungary.
Most often, patients complain about disruption of the digestive system. They may experience abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Some complain of vomiting and nausea. However, these side effects may increase with increasing dose of the drug.
In rare cases, there is a stenosis of the esophagus, an ulcerative lesion of the digestive system. Also sometimes there are allergic reactions in the form of a rash and itching. From the side of the central nervous system, complications in the form of headache and dizziness are possible. Also, the possibility of a feeling of weakness and hyperthermia of the skin cannot be ruled out.
Features of the use of drugs
Regardless of what kind of remedy your doctor has prescribed, you must remember that iron preparations must be drunk without chewing. Only if this rule is observed, activethe component of the agent will begin to be released where it should, i.e. in the intestines. It is necessary to drink tablets with a large amount of water, even if you did not buy the original product, but the analogue of Sorbifer is cheaper.
It is worth remembering that when using any iron preparations, darkening of the feces is possible. But this is considered quite normal, so there is no point in reporting this to the doctor.
It is worth noting separately that Sorbifer, as well as other drugs with the same iron content, is not prescribed to children under the age of 12 due to the lack of clinical trials.
