Plexifer

An audit of the in-hospital safety and tolerability of 401 infusions of Plexifer in 386 patients has shown no cases of anaphylaxis or other cardiorespiratory compromise. The infusion was terminated prematurely because of adverse events in six patients (1.6%).

Ferrous salts may cause unwanted side effects such as constipation, vomiting and nausea. In fact, these side effects from ferrous salts can be so frequent, that some people may avoid taking iron supplements for this reason.

Plexifer is well tolerated. However, a few side effects of oral iron preparations, including 

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhoea may occur.

Disturbances in iron utilization, thalassemia. Hypersensitivity or intolerance to iron and overloading of iron in the body. Anemia not caused by iron deficiency. Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the formulation.

Plexifer Dosage

• Adult: 10 ml 1-2 times daily during or after meal.
• Children under 12 years: 5 ml 1-2 times daily during or after meal.
• Infant: Start with 2.5 ml daily and increase to 5 ml daily.

Plexifer is used in the treatment of iron deficiency in adolescents and adults where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated, or otherwise inappropriate. It contains iron in the form of iron polymaltose, an iron carbohydrate compound.

It may take a few weeks for iron tablets to start working and may take 3-6 months for full iron correction. You will need to visit your medical practitioner regularly while you are taking Plexifer to monitor your iron status.

Take Plexifer during or immediately after a meal. The daily dose of Plexifer can be taken at once or divided into separate doses. Plexifer Tablets should be taken with a glass of water. Plexifer Tablets should be swallowed whole.

Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach, but supplements can cause stomach upset. Taking supplements, in a divided dose morning and evening or every second day to start with, with a small amount of food may help you avoid this. Do not take milk or antacids at the same time as your iron supplements.

Patients who receive iron treatment gain weight, if they do not make diet or have a metabolic disease. So, iron therapy increases serum ferritin levels accompanying with body weight. Our study results are consistent with this hypothesis, which was supported by other published studies as well.

Both treatment and prevention. Plexifer Tablets are used in adults/adolescents to treat low iron or prevent iron deficiency in adults/adolescents determined by a medical practitioner to be at high risk.

You must not take Plexifer Iron Tablets if:

• You are allergic to iron polymaltose or any other ingredient in Plexifer Tablets. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

1. – Skin — rash, itching, or hives
2. – Breathing — shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
3. – Swelling — on the face, lips, tongue, or any other parts of the body

• You have anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
• You have iron overload (too much iron), or disturbances in iron utilisation

You are under the age of 12 years

Yes, before you start taking Plexifer, you will need to inform your doctor if:

• You have or have had an infection or tumor
• You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• You have or have had any other health problems
• You are taking any other medicines

Plexifer Tablets can be taken with food, either during or immediately after a meal. Your daily dose can be taken at once or divided into smaller doses.

Just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the forgotten dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your medical practitioner or pharmacist.

If you take too much (overdose), immediately telephone your doctor.