Our body needs iron in order for the oxidation process in the tissues to proceed normally. It is also necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. With a lack of 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
If a low level of hemoglobin is detected, patients are prescribed special medications that can compensate for
the iron deficiency in the body. But to do this is better after a special analysis. During it, the level of iron, saturated transferrin and ferritin is determined in the blood serum.
When confirming the diagnosis, Sorbifer is often prescribed. Its analogs can also be used. The main thing is that they contain iron sulfate. Other auxiliary components that contribute to its absorption are also important. The composition of Sorbifer includes 320 mg of iron sulfate (which corresponds to 100 mg of Fe 2+ ) and 60 mg of vitamin C.
In addition to drug therapy, nutrition must also be adjusted. The menu should have plenty of meat, liver, and other foods high in iron.
Action of medicines
Any analogue of Sorbifer, as well as the specified 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, breastfeeding, intensive growth, or after severe illnesses).
Means "Sorbifer Durules" is made by special technology. It provides a gradual release of iron ions over a long time. The active component begins to work in the intestine due to the fact that the plastic matrix does not break down under the influence of 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 area of the 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 gets into the patient’s body than when using other drugs.
But the analogue of Soribefer, called Fenyuls 100, also begins to work only in the intestine. Tablets do not dissolve under the influence of gastric juice. The composition of this tool includes 100 mg of iron and 60 mg of 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. In case of iron deficiency anemia, the doctor may also prescribe Ferrograd, Erifer, Ferropleks, Ferrograd S, Actiferrin.
Price policy
If the doctor has prescribed Sorbifer for you, you can look for cheap analogues, because they can also be suitable. A pack of 50 tablets of the original drug costs about 475 rubles. But for 30 tablets of Fenyuls, only 180 rubles will have to be paid. The dosage and list of active substances they have is the same.
But if you wish, you can purchase another analog of Sorbifer. If the doctor permits, then it can be replaced with Tardiferon. A package of 30 tablets of this antianemic drug costs about 200 rubles. German capsules "Actiferin", consisting of iron sulfate and D, L-serine, will cost 315 rubles. (pack of 50 pcs.).
But to choose the most suitable replacement is necessary only with your doctor. It is advisable to do this after examining the blood serum and determining not only the hemoglobin level, but also the concentration of iron.
Dosage selection
The doctor should take into account how many tablets or capsules the patient should drink, taking into account the results of the tests. But, as a rule, it is recommended to use 1 tablet 2 times a day, the Sorbifer drug. In this case, analogs are assigned according to a similar scheme.
For prophylactic purposes, adolescents and adults need only 1 tablet of Sorbifer. The same amount of this drug is prescribed for pregnant women. For therapeutic purposes, expectant mothers, as a rule, are 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 at a given period of life. If the expectant mother wants to choose a cheaper remedy, then she can consult a doctor and find out if he can be noticed with Tardiferon. Also, for this purpose, the Fenyuls 100 remedy is suitable. To treat anemia in pregnant women, it is enough to drink 1 tablet in the 2nd trimester and 2 in the 3rd trimester.
If 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;
- stenosis of the esophagus ;
- hemolytic anemia ;
- violation of the process of utilization of iron (lead anemia, sideroblastic anemia);
- the period after resection of the stomach;
- 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 Sorbifer. Analogs are cheap in this case, too, do not fit. If, with concomitant diseases, iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed, then first of all it is necessary to stop the problem, and then to restore the level of iron.
In inflammatory bowel diseases, drugs should be used with caution. Closely monitor your condition is necessary for diverticulitis, enteritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
Possible complications
Do not forget that side effects may occur if you are taking Sorbifer. An analogue - Russian, French or Indian - can give the same complications as the specified original product manufactured in Hungary.
Most often, patients complain of a violation of the digestive system. They may experience abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Some complain of vomiting and nausea. At the same time, these side effects may increase with an increase in the dose of the drug.
In rare cases, stenosis of the esophagus, ulcerative lesions of the digestive system. Allergic reactions in the form of rash and itching also sometimes appear. From the side of the central nervous system, complications in the form of headache and dizziness are possible. Also, the likelihood of a feeling of weakness and hyperthermia of the skin cannot be ruled out.
Features of the use of drugs
Regardless of which particular remedy your doctor has prescribed, you must remember that iron preparations must be drunk without chewing. Only when this rule is observed, the active component of the agent will begin to be released where it should, that is, in the intestine. You need to drink tablets with plenty of water even if you bought not the original product, but the Sorbifer analogue is cheaper.
It is worth remembering that when using any iron preparations, darkening of feces is possible. But this is considered quite normal, so it makes no sense to inform the doctor about this.
Separately, it is worth paying attention that the Sorbifer agent, as well as other drugs with the same iron content, is not prescribed for children under the age of 12 years due to the lack of clinical trials.