DENOVO-XT

# Elemental Iron 100 mg + Folic Acid 1.5 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Elemental Iron 100 mg + Folic Acid 1.5 mg** is a nutritional supplement/haematinic combination used to help prevent and treat **iron and folate deficiency** and associated nutritional anemia when prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional. **Elemental iron** supplies iron needed for hemoglobin production and normal red blood cell formation, while **folic acid (vitamin B9)** supports DNA synthesis and the production of healthy blood cells. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps replenish iron stores * Supports normal hemoglobin production * Helps prevent and manage iron-deficiency anemia * Provides folic acid to support red blood cell formation * Supports normal DNA synthesis and cell division * Helps address nutritional iron and folate deficiencies * May support increased energy and reduced fatigue when these symptoms are caused by iron or folate deficiency ## USES / INDICATIONS This combination may be used for: * **Iron-deficiency anemia** * **Folate-deficiency anemia** * Prevention of iron and folate deficiency * Increased nutritional requirements during pregnancy, when recommended * Iron and folate supplementation when dietary intake is inadequate * Increased iron requirements associated with blood loss or other conditions, under medical supervision The cause of anemia should be established before long-term supplementation, particularly when anemia is unexplained or persistent. ## HOW IT WORKS ### Elemental Iron Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of **hemoglobin**, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron also participates in several metabolic processes. ### Folic Acid Folic acid is converted into active folate forms that are required for **DNA synthesis, cell division, and normal red blood cell formation**. **Iron → Supports hemoglobin production → Supports oxygen transport** **Folic Acid → Supports DNA synthesis and cell division → Supports healthy blood-cell formation** ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The appropriate dose depends on the severity of deficiency, age, pregnancy status, diet, and medical condition. * Take exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. * Swallow the tablet/capsule with water if applicable. * Follow the specific product instructions regarding whether it should be taken with food. * Iron is often absorbed better on an empty stomach, but taking it with food may reduce stomach irritation. * Do not exceed the recommended dose unless specifically instructed. ### Important Administration Considerations Avoid taking iron at the same time as: * Antacids * Calcium supplements * Certain dairy products * Tea or coffee These may reduce iron absorption. Your pharmacist can advise on appropriate spacing. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take a double dose.** ## SIDE EFFECTS Common side effects associated with oral iron include: * Nausea * Constipation * Diarrhea * Stomach discomfort * Abdominal cramps * Heartburn * Vomiting * Metallic taste * Dark or black-colored stools Dark stools are a common effect of iron supplementation and are usually harmless. ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you experience: * Severe abdominal pain * Persistent vomiting * Signs of a serious allergic reaction * Bloody stools or unusual gastrointestinal symptoms * Symptoms following accidental ingestion of a large quantity, especially in children **Iron overdose can be extremely dangerous, particularly in children.** ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Correct Diagnosis Not all types of anemia are caused by iron deficiency. Unnecessary iron supplementation can be harmful. Your healthcare professional may recommend blood tests to determine the cause of anemia. ### Iron Overload Do not take additional iron-containing supplements unless recommended by your healthcare professional, particularly if you have conditions associated with excess iron. ### Gastrointestinal Effects Iron can cause constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dark stools. Taking it with food may improve tolerance, although absorption may be reduced. ### Children Keep iron-containing medicines **out of children's reach**. Accidental iron overdose can cause severe poisoning and may be life-threatening. ### Pregnancy Iron and folic acid are commonly recommended during pregnancy when clinically appropriate. The dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual nutritional requirements. ### Kidney or Liver Conditions Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease before taking iron and folic acid supplements. ### Vitamin B12 Deficiency Folic acid can improve some blood abnormalities caused by vitamin B12 deficiency while allowing neurological damage to continue. If anemia is unexplained, vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered before prolonged folic acid supplementation. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Iron can reduce the absorption of several medicines. Important interactions include: * **Antacids** * **Calcium supplements** * **Levothyroxine** * **Tetracycline antibiotics** * **Quinolone antibiotics**, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin * **Bisphosphonates** * Certain other medicines that bind to iron in the gastrointestinal tract Iron should generally be separated from interacting medicines by an appropriate interval, often **2–4 hours depending on the medicine**. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless otherwise specified. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Keep iron-containing medicines securely stored because accidental ingestion by children can be dangerous. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Elemental Iron 100 mg + Folic Acid 1.5 mg may be available by prescription or as a pharmacy/OTC supplement depending on the country, formulation, and local regulations.** Because the product contains a relatively high amount of elemental iron, it should preferably be used under appropriate healthcare guidance when treating confirmed anemia. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE To help ensure you receive genuine Elemental Iron + Folic Acid: * Purchase from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the product name and ingredient strengths. * Verify the manufacturer's details. * Check the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging is sealed and undamaged. * Do not purchase products with suspicious or altered labels. * Follow the manufacturer's storage and usage instructions. * Ask your pharmacist to verify the product if you have concerns about authenticity. ## FAQ SECTION ### What is Elemental Iron 100 mg + Folic Acid 1.5 mg used for? It is used to **prevent or treat iron and folate deficiencies** and may be prescribed for nutritional anemia caused by inadequate iron or folate. ### What is elemental iron? Elemental iron is the actual amount of iron available from an iron-containing preparation. It is the form of iron used by the body for important functions including hemoglobin production. ### What is folic acid? Folic acid is **vitamin B9**, an essential nutrient involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and normal red blood cell formation. ### Does iron and folic acid increase hemoglobin? Yes. When anemia is caused by iron or folate deficiency, supplementation can help restore the nutrients needed for normal red blood cell and hemoglobin production. ### Can this medicine treat anemia? It can help treat **iron-deficiency or folate-deficiency anemia** when those deficiencies are the cause. It will not treat every type of anemia. ### How long does iron and folic acid take to work? Improvement depends on the severity and cause of the deficiency. Blood counts may begin improving over several weeks, while restoring depleted iron stores can take longer. ### Does iron cause constipation? Yes. Constipation is a common side effect of oral iron. Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea can also occur. ### Does iron make stools black? Yes. **Dark or black stools are common with oral iron supplementation** and are usually harmless. However, tarry stools accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms should be medically evaluated. ### Can I take iron and folic acid on an empty stomach? Iron is often absorbed better on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upset. If necessary, it may be taken with food according to the product instructions or your healthcare professional's advice. ### Can I take iron with milk? Calcium can reduce iron absorption. It is generally preferable to separate iron from milk and calcium-containing products. ### Can I drink tea or coffee after taking iron? Tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption. Avoid taking them close to your iron dose; your pharmacist can advise on appropriate timing. ### Can I take iron with vitamin C? Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption. However, you should follow your healthcare professional's advice rather than adding additional supplements unnecessarily. ### Can I take iron and folic acid during pregnancy? Iron and folic acid are commonly used during pregnancy when recommended. The appropriate dose should be determined by a healthcare professional. ### Can men take iron and folic acid? Yes, men may use iron and folic acid when a deficiency or increased nutritional requirement has been identified. Unnecessary iron supplementation should be avoided. ### Can children take iron and folic acid? Children may require iron and folic acid in certain circumstances, but the dose must be appropriate for their age and weight. **Never give an adult-strength iron product to a child without medical advice.** ### Is iron overdose dangerous? Yes. **Iron overdose can cause severe poisoning and can be life-threatening, particularly in children.** Keep iron medicines securely out of children's reach. ### Can I take iron with levothyroxine? Iron can significantly reduce levothyroxine absorption. These medicines should generally be separated by several hours according to your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. ### Can I take iron with antibiotics? Some antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines and quinolones, can interact with iron and have reduced absorption when taken together. Appropriate dosing separation is usually required. ### Can folic acid hide vitamin B12 deficiency? High-dose folic acid can correct some blood abnormalities caused by vitamin B12 deficiency without correcting neurological damage. If anemia is unexplained, vitamin B12 status may need to be evaluated. ### Should I take additional iron with this medicine? Do not take additional iron supplements unless recommended by your healthcare professional, as excessive iron can accumulate and cause harm. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together. ### How should Elemental Iron + Folic Acid be stored? Store it according to the manufacturer's instructions, away from excessive heat and moisture, and **keep it securely out of children's reach**. ### When should I see a doctor about anemia? Seek medical evaluation for unexplained or persistent fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, paleness, rapid heartbeat, or other symptoms suggestive of anemia. The underlying cause should be identified rather than treating anemia blindly. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Elemental Iron 100 mg + Folic Acid 1.5 mg** is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Iron supplementation is most appropriate when iron deficiency has been established or when supplementation has been specifically recommended. **Iron overdose can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially in children.** Folic acid supplementation should also be used appropriately because it may mask some manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Always follow the product label and the advice of your doctor or pharmacist regarding dosage, duration, interactions, and monitoring.