Introduction About FERARKA XT TABLET

FERARKA XT TABLET is a combination of Elemental iron and Folic acid, which belongs to the group of medicines called Haematinics. It is used to manage anaemia (deficiency of iron and haemoglobin). Anaemia is a condition that occurs when the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is too low.

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine. FERARKA XT TABLET is not recommended for use if you have hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis (iron overload), hemolytic anaemias, gastrointestinal ulcers, or are receiving repeated blood transfusions.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have or had epilepsy, cirrhosis or other liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing, an infection, or alcoholism.

FERARKA XT TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. FERARKA XT TABLET is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age and below 22 kg. The most common side effects of FERARKA XT TABLET are nausea, vomiting, dark stools, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Consult your doctor if any of the symptoms bother you.

Uses Of FERARKA XT TABLET

• It is used for management of iron deficiency anaemia

How FERARKA XT TABLET Works

FERARKA XT TABLET is a combination of essential iron and folic acid. Our body uses iron to make haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Iron is also used in the formation of some hormones. Folic acid is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of the body's genetic material, DNA and RNA, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy.

How to use FERARKA XT TABLET

Always take FERARKA XT TABLET as directed by your physician.

Tablet/Capsule: Swallow the medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine.

Chewable Tablet: Chew the medicine well before swallowing.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects Of FERARKA XT TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation

Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the constipation doesn't improve.

Diarrhea

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice, to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor if diarrhea worsens.

Nausea And Vomiting

Stay hydrated with small sips of clear fluids like water, ginger ale, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid consuming large meals; instead, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods. Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea may help soothe the stomach. Rest in a comfortable position, preferably with your head elevated, to ease symptoms. Consult your doctor if nausea and vomiting persist.

Stomach Pain

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Use with Caution

FERARKA XT TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women or women planning to have a baby. Dose will be adjusted by your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

FERARKA XT TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Dose will be adjusted by your doctor.

Alcohol

Contraindicated

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FERARKA XT TABLET.

Kidney

Use with Caution

FERARKA XT TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis). Consult your doctor before taking FERARKA XT TABLET.

Liver

Use with Caution

FERARKA XT TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases like cirrhosis. Consult your doctor before taking FERARKA XT TABLET.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take FERARKA XT TABLET if you are allergic to folic acid, elemental iron, or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

FERARKA XT TABLET is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age and below 22 kg. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Interactions

A. Drug-drug interactions:

Before taking FERARKA XT TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• Medicines for managing infections (Ex. chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, and norfloxacin)
• Medicines containing zinc, calcium, or magnesium salts
• Medicines used for thyroid gland problems (Ex. levothyroxine)
• Medicines used to manage ‘Parkinson’s disease’ (Ex. levodopa, entacapone)
• Medicines used for an increase in blood pressure (Ex. methyldopa)
• Antacids used to manage indigestion (Ex. calcium carbonate)
• Medicines used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (Ex. penicillamine)
• Medicines used to reduce cholesterol and fats in the blood (Ex. cholestyramine)
• Medicines for bone diseases (Ex. bisphosphonates)
• Medicines used for high copper levels in blood (Ex. trientine)
• Medicines used for various metal poisonings (Ex. dimercaprol)
• Medicines used during transplant (Ex. mycophenolate)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of FERARKA XT TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and changes in heart rate.

Synopsis

More Information

FAQs About FERARKA XT TABLET

Q: What are the uses of FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: FERARKA XT TABLET is a combination of elemental iron and folic acid, which belongs to the group of medicines called haematinics. It is used to manage anaemia (deficiency of iron and haemoglobin).

Q: How to use FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: Always take FERARKA XT TABLET as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Q: What is Anaemia?

A: Anaemia is a condition that occurs when the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is too low. Every part of your body needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to function effectively. The symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are caused by decreased oxygen delivery to your body’s vital organs and tissues. Anaemia is seen in people who have inadequate dietary intake of nutrients, kidney diseases, certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, infections, etc.

Q: Can we use FERARKA XT TABLET for pregnant women?

A: If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking FERARKA XT TABLET. Folic acid requirements are usually met from the diet, but additional supplements are required in its deficiency. FERARKA XT TABLET is advised to pregnant women who want to conceive as folate utilization is increased in pregnancy.

Q: How does FERARKA XT TABLET work?

A: FERARKA XT TABLET is a combination of elemental iron and folic acid. Our body uses iron to make haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Iron is also used in the formation of some hormones. Folic acid is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of the body's genetic material, DNA and RNA, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy.

Q: Is FERARKA XT TABLET safe for kids?

A: FERARKA XT TABLET is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age and below 22 kg. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: Who should not take FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: FERARKA XT TABLET is not recommended for use if you have hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis (iron overload), hemolytic anaemias, gastrointestinal ulcers, are receiving repeated blood transfusions, are allergic to folic acid, or have elemental iron. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: What should I avoid while taking FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FERARKA XT TABLET.

Q: What precautions must be taken while using FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: Before taking FERARKA XT TABLET, inform your doctor if you have had repeated blood transfusions, have epilepsy, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver diseases like cirrhosis, hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing, or have an infection or a history of alcoholism.

Q: Can I take FERARKA XT TABLET daily?

A: Yes, daily supplementation of FERARKA XT TABLET reduces the risk of low birth weight, maternal anaemia, and iron deficiency.

Q: When is the best time to take FERARKA XT TABLET?

A: Always take FERARKA XT TABLET as advised by the doctor. Take the medicine one hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, take the medicine with meals.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Vitamins. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2017. Page – 909 -919.

2. MJ Berg. The importance of folic acid. NIH, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. May 1999. [ Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11252849/

3. Zhao Gengli, Peking University First Hospital. Impact of Iron/Folic Acid vs. Folic Acid Supplements During Pregnancy on Maternal and Child Health. Clinical trial.gov. [Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02221752

4. Ferrous sulphate. Taj Pharmaceuticals. [Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://issuu.com/tajpharma904/docs/ferrous_sulfate_200mg_tablets_smpc-_taj_pharmaceut

5. Laleham Health and Beauty Limited. Folic acid [Revised in July 2019] [Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2822.pdf

6. Folic acid. Drugs.com. [Revised in September 2021] [Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://www.drugs.com/folic_acid.html

7. Elemental iron. Drugs.com. [Revised in October 2022] [Accessed on 30th July 2024] https://www.drugs.com/pro/novaferrum.html#:

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
• Ferritin /Iron, Serum
• Iron Studies
• Iron Deficiency Profile
• Total Iron Binding Capacity- Tibc
• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (Uibc)
• Ferritin
• Iron Studies With Ferritin

Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 01 Aug 2024 | 04:56 PM(IST)