Hemfast

Uses

Ferrous Fumarate is used to prevent or treat iron deficiency anaemia. The prevention of iron deficiency during pregnancy usually requires a combination of iron and folic acid. Iron is usually found in foods and is necessary for the normal development of red blood cells. A lack of iron affects the development of the red blood cells and causes a reduction in the number of red blood cells found in the body (iron deficiency anaemia).

Mecobalamin is used for-

• Peripheral Neuropathies
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Verteberal Syndrome
• Nerve Compression Syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Entrapment neuropathy
• Drug induced neuropathy
• Megaloblastic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency

Hemfast is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Folic acid antagonist overdose, Iron Deficiency (ID), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), Oral ContraceptivesVitamin B12 Deficiency, Nutritional supplementation

How Hemfast works

Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Iron-deficiency can lead to decreased production of hemoglobin and a microcytic, hypochromic anemia.

Dosage

Hemfast dosage

Iron-deficiency anemia:

• Adult: Usual dose range: Up to 600 mg daily. May increase up to 1.2 g daily if necessary.
• Child:Preterm neonate: 0.6-2.4 ml / kg daily; up to 6 yr: 2.5-5 ml bid.

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Tablet: The usual adult dosage is one 500 mcg tablet three times daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the age of patient and the severity of symptoms.

Injection:

• Peripheral neuropathies: The usual adult dosage is one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin, administered intramuscularly or intravenously three times a week.The dosage should be adjusted according to the age of patient and the severity of symptoms.
• Megaloblastic anemia: The usual adult dosage is one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin, administered intramuscularly or intravenously three times a week. After about two months of administration, dosage should be changed to one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin every one to three months as maintenance therapy

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Ferrous Fumarate Tablets can sometimes cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. They might be:

• Heartburn
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Diarrhoea or constipation.

Also, you might find your stools are darker in color after you have taken this medicine. This is quite commonly seen with all iron preparations and is normal.

Generally Mecobalamin is well tolerated. However, a few side effects like GI discomfort (including anorexia, nausea or diarrhea) & rash may be seen after administration of Mecobalamin.

Toxicity

Acute iron overdosage can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, which occurs up to six hours after ingestion, the principal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia and CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma. The second phase may occur at 6-24 hours after ingestion and is characterized by a temporary remission. In the third phase, gastrointestinal symptoms recur accompanied by shock, metabolic acidosis, coma, hepatic necrosis and jaundice, hypoglycemia, renal failure and pulmonary edema. The fourth phase may occur several weeks after ingestion and is characterized by gastrointestinal obstruction and liver damage. In a young child, 75 milligrams per kilogram is considered extremely dangerous. A dose of 30 milligrams per kilogram can lead to symptoms of toxicity. Estimates of a lethal dosage range from 180 milligrams per kilogram and upwards. A peak serum iron concentration of five micrograms or more per ml is associated with moderate to severe poisoning in many.

Precaution

Patients with intestinal strictures and diverticular disease. May worsen diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. May cause constipation and faecal impaction in elderly. Avoid prolonged admin (>6 mth) except in patients with continued bleeding, menorrhagia or repeated pregnancies. Not for routine use in treatment of haemolytic anaemia unless an iron-deficient state exists. Parenteral iron should not be used concurrently with oral iron treatment. Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood tranfusions. Pregnancy.

The medicine should not be used for months if there is no response at all after its use for a certain period of time.

Interaction

Oral absorption of iron may be increased when taken with ascorbic acid. May reduce the absorption of quinolones and tetracyclines when taken concurrently via the oral route. Concurrent admin with antacids may reduce the absorption of ferrous fumarate from the GI tract. May reduce the absorption of penicillamine in the gut when taken concurrently.

Decreased GI tract absorption with neomycin, aminosalicylic acid, H2-blockers and colchicine. Reduced serum concentrations with oral contraceptives. Reduced effects in anaemia with parenteral chloramphenicol.

Elimination Route

The efficiency of absorption depends on the salt form, the amount administered, the dosing regimen and the size of iron stores. Subjects with normal iron stores absorb 10% to 35% of an iron dose. Those who are iron deficient may absorb up to 95% of an iron dose.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category

Not recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

Contraindication

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemochroma

Hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Special Warning

Use in children: Not recommended.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis and rectal bleeding. Hypotension, coma and hepatocellular necrosis may occur later.

Treatment: Empty stomach contents by gastric lavage within 1 hr of ingestion. In severe toxicity, IV desferrioxamine may be given. Whole bowel irrigation may also be considered in severe poisoning.

Storage Condition

Oral: Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture and light.

Parenteral: Store at room temperature. Do not expose to direct light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Hemfast