Ferrous salt/folic acid
Combination of | |
---|---|
Ferrous salt | mineral |
Folic acid | vitamin |
Clinical data | |
Trade names | Fefol, Galfer FA, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
ATC code |
Ferrous salt/folic acid is a supplement used to prevent iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy. It can also be used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is a fixed dose combination of ferrous salt and folic acid. It is taken by mouth.[1]
Side effects may include dark stools, constipation, and abdominal pain.[1] Caution is advised in people with hemochromatosis. Excessive use in children can cause serious problems.[2]
Ferrous salt/folic acid was approved for medical use in the United States as early as 1946.[3] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[4] The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.07 to 1.02 USD a month.[5] It is not currently commercially available as a combination in the United States.[3] In the United Kingdom it costs the NHS about 2.64 to 4.25 pounds per month.[6]
References
- 1 2 WHO Model Formulary 2008 (PDF). World Health Organization. 2009. pp. 249–250. ISBN 9789241547659. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ↑ "Fefol Spansule Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - (eMC)". www.medicines.org.uk. 2 April 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
- 1 2 "Ferrous sulfate and folic acid medical facts from Drugs.com". www.drugs.com. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
- ↑ "WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (19th List)" (PDF). World Health Organization. April 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ↑ "Ferrous Salt + Folic Acid". International Drug Price Indicator Guide. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ↑ British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. p. 661. ISBN 9780857111562.