In the article, we consider the instructions for the "Biofer".
It is a medication intended for the treatment of anemia. The manufacturer "Biofer" is available in the form of chewable tablets. Each package contains 30 pcs. In its clinical and pharmacological group, it belongs to antianemic drugs.
The composition of "Biofer"
Chewable tablets have a dark brown color, round shape, on one side there is a risk for separation. The presence of inclusions having a darker color in the structure of the tablet is allowed. The main active ingredients in the composition of the drug are: folic acid, polymaltose ferric hydroxide.
As auxiliary components are used: purified water, vanilla flavor, chocolate flavor, aspartame, purified talc, sodium chloride, sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate, caramel, colloidal silicon dioxide, mannitol, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate.
Tablets are packaged in blisters, in each of which 10 tablets are located. Three blisters are placed in a cardboard box.
Pharmacological effects
As the instructions for Biofer tablets indicate, the antianemic agent contains iron in the form of polymaltose of ferric hydroxide. This molecular complex is characterized by stability; in the gastrointestinal tract, free iron ions do not secrete. By its structure, “Biofer” is similar to ferritin - a natural compound of iron. This similarity contributes to the fact that ferric iron in the blood from the intestine enters through active transport. It is this characteristic of the drug that allows us to explain the impossibility of developing intoxication with the drug in comparison with simple salts of iron, which are adsorbed by a concentration gradient.
After adsorption, iron begins to bind to ferritin and accumulates in the body, mainly in the liver. After that, in the tissues of the bone marrow, it connects to the composition of hemoglobin. The iron contained in the polymaltose complex, in comparison with simple iron salts, does not possess prooxidant properties. There is a correlation between the level of iron adsorption and the severity of iron deficiency - absorption is better, the stronger the iron deficiency. The most active adsorption of iron occurs in the small intestine and duodenum.
The preparation also contains folic acid, which belongs to the B vitamins. The substance is able to stimulate erythropoiesis, takes part in the production of amino acids, pyrimidines, purines, nucleic acids, and choline metabolism.
The use of chewable antianemic tablets does not cause staining of tooth enamel.
Pharmacokinetics
According to the instructions for use with Biofer tablets, after adsorption in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the released iron begins to bind to plasma transferrin and be included in synthetic reactions or deposited in the form of ferritin in tissues. Iron is eliminated together with sweat, urine, feces. Folic acid absorption occurs mainly in the upper intestine; it binds to plasma proteins by approximately 65%. The substance is metabolized in the tissues of the liver, eliminated mainly by the kidneys, partly by the intestines. At the same time, the half-elimination period is 22.5 hours.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, "Biofer" is indicated for use in the following cases:
- Prevention of iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency. It can also be used in the lactation period, during pregnancy, before and after it.
- Therapy of clinically expressed and latent iron deficiency (anemia of iron deficiency type).
Instructions for use "Biofer"
Taking tablets of an antianemic drug is indicated with or immediately after a meal. Allowed to swallow the tablets whole, as well as chewing them.
The dosage of the drug and the duration of therapy depends on the severity of symptoms of iron deficiency. The daily dose of the drug can be used in one step.
In order to treat clinically pronounced iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) in patients from 12 years old and lactating women, it is shown for 3-5 months, until the hemoglobin concentration in the blood reaches the norm, take 1 tablet up to 3 times a day. Then it is recommended to continue taking the medicine for a few more months, one tablet once a day to replenish the body's supply of iron.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to take "Biofer" 1 tablet twice or three times a day until the hemoglobin level is normalized. Subsequently, therapy should continue until delivery in order to restore iron stores. In this case, take 1 tablet once a day.
In order to treat latent iron deficiency and prevent folic acid deficiency, as well as iron, patients are recommended to take 1 tablet once a day.
The average duration of therapy for iron deficiency anemia is up to 5 months, until iron stores normalize. In this case, pregnant women should take the drug at least until delivery.
It is recommended to take an antianemic agent for latent iron deficiency up to 2 months.
Negative impact
According to the instructions for use and reviews of "Biofer", in some cases it is able to provoke the development of side symptoms.
Gastrointestinal organs in rare cases respond to the use of the drug by the development of diarrhea, constipation, nausea, the appearance of pressure and overflow in the epigastric region, signs of irritation of the digestive tract. Stool staining is sometimes noted, due to the removal of non-adsorbed iron. This manifestation has no clinical significance.
In addition, with the use of Biofer, allergic responses to folic acid intake may develop.
Contraindications
As the instruction to Biofer informs us, it is recommended to abandon its use in the presence of such physiological or pathological conditions as:
- Age to 12 years.
- Non-iron deficiency anemia (megaloblastic, provoked by vitamin B 12 deficiency, hemolytic).
- Violation of the processes of utilization of iron (thalassemia, anemia of a siderohrestic type, lead anemia).
- Hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Use in the lactation period, during pregnancy
In the lactation period, “Biofer” can be used if there is evidence and on the recommendation of a specialist.
Conducted controlled studies suggest that the use of the drug in the second and third trimester does not adversely affect the fetus and mother. Use of the drug in the first trimester is recommended only if the expected benefit to the mother exceeds the probable harm to the fetus.
Special instructions for use
In accordance with the instructions for "Biofer", caution must be exercised when using the drug in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of the duodenum, stomach, and inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Each chewable tablet contains 0.06 XE. This fact is important to consider for patients with diabetes.
Overdose and interaction with other medications
To date, there have been no recorded cases of iron overload and intoxication in clinical practice.
There were no cases of interaction of Biofer with other drugs.
Reviews
Patients and specialists respond mostly about the drug. The drug effectively eliminates the manifestations of iron deficiency anemia, helps to prevent its development, causes negative symptoms extremely rarely. Such a positive quality of the drug as the possibility of its use during pregnancy, in the lactation period is separately noted.
We reviewed the instructions and reviews for the “Biofer”.