— Product
FERROBEST-XT TAB
FERROUS ASCOR 100MG + L-METHYLCOBALAMINE 1000MG + CHOLECALCIFEROL 100
FERROBEST-XT TAB is a tablet combining ferrous ascorbate 100 mg, L-methylcobalamin 1000 mcg and cholecalciferol. It is used for iron deficiency anaemia, particularly in women of reproductive age, and where iron deficiency coexists with vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency.
01
Benefits
- Ferrous ascorbate is better absorbed and generally better tolerated than ferrous sulphate, with less gastric irritation.
- The ascorbate component enhances iron absorption, addressing the main limitation of oral iron therapy.
- L-methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12, useful where deficiency contributes to anaemia and to peripheral neuropathy.
- Cholecalciferol addresses the vitamin D deficiency that commonly coexists in the same patient group.
- Treating iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiency together in one tablet improves adherence over separate preparations.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Black or dark stools, which is expected and harmless
- Constipation
- Nausea or epigastric discomfort
- Metallic taste
Less common
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramping
- Vomiting
- Temporary staining of the teeth
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Black or tarry stools with abdominal pain, which may be gastrointestinal bleeding rather than the expected iron effect
- Vomiting of blood
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Accidental overdose, particularly in a child
03
Precautions
- Keep strictly out of reach of children. Iron overdose is one of the commonest causes of fatal childhood poisoning, and a small number of tablets can be enough.
- Contraindicated in haemochromatosis, in iron overload states, and in anaemias not due to iron deficiency — giving iron in those is harmful.
- Establish that the anaemia is iron-deficient before treating. Iron given empirically for unexplained anaemia can delay diagnosis of a serious cause.
- Black stools are expected. Warn the patient, but investigate if accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Take on an empty stomach for best absorption; if that causes nausea, take with food and accept somewhat reduced absorption.
- Separate from tea, coffee, milk, calcium and antacids by at least two hours, as these markedly reduce iron absorption.
- Separate from tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics and from thyroid hormone by at least two hours.
- Increase fluid and fibre to offset constipation, which is the commonest reason patients stop.