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Ezfe 200 vs Ferrous Sulfate
Introduction
For patients with iron deficiency or anemia, certain supplements that increase the concentration of iron in the body can help restore healthy red blood cell levels and manage symptoms. Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate are two such supplements often prescribed for these conditions. Both impact the concentration of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. Ezfe 200 is a form of heme-iron polypeptide, which is thought to cause fewer side effects as compared to ferrous salts like Ferrous Sulfate because it's more easily absorbed by your body. On the other hand, Ferrous Sulfate is classified as an essential mineral used for treating or preventing low levels of iron in the blood and helps your body produce red blood cells.
Ezfe 200 vs Ferrous Sulfate Side By Side
| Attribute | Ezfe 200 | Ferrous sulfate |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Ezfe 200 | Ferrous Sulfate |
| Contraindications | Patients with hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or those already getting enough iron from their diet | Patients with hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or those already getting enough iron from their diet |
| Cost | Approximately $2.66/day for 30 tablets | Approximately $0.10/day for 100 tablets |
| Generic Name | Iron Polysaccharide | Ferrous Sulfate |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat | Allergic reactions such as hives, itching or skin rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Not specifically mentioned, but caution advised with antacids or antibiotics due to potential absorption issues | Not specifically mentioned, but caution advised with antacids or antibiotics due to potential absorption issues |
| Typical Dose | 100-300 mg/day, not to exceed 300 mg/day | 60–200 mg/day, can be increased to 300 mg/day, divided into two doses |
What is Ezfe 200?
Ezfe 200 (generic name Iron Polysaccharide) and Ferrous Sulfate are both iron supplements used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron, a condition known as iron deficiency anemia. However, they have different chemical structures and may be absorbed and tolerated differently in the body.
Ezfe 200 is a polysaccharide-iron complex that provides elemental iron, encapsulated within a carbohydrate shell. This unique structure allows for slow release of the iron, potentially reducing digestive tract side effects commonly associated with traditional oral iron preparations. It is often prescribed when patients cannot tolerate other forms of oral supplemental irons due to these side effects.
On the other hand, Ferrous Sulfate has been used for many years as it's well-absorbed by the gut and tends to be less expensive than many other forms of supplemental irons but can cause more gastrointestinal side effects like constipation or upset stomach.
Both medications should only be taken on advice from healthcare professionals since too much supplementary iron can lead to serious health issues like hemochromatosis.
What conditions is Ezfe 200 approved to treat?
Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate are both approved for the treatment of different forms of iron deficiency:
- Iron-deficiency anemia, a common type of anemia that occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells
- Prophylaxis against iron deficiency in pregnancy
- Patients with poor diet or those who have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food
How does Ezfe 200 help with these illnesses?
Ezfe 200 helps to manage iron deficiency by increasing the amount of elemental iron in the body. It contains heme iron polypeptide, a type of easily absorbed and digestible form of iron that is derived from animal sources. Iron is a mineral that plays an essential role in hemoglobin production for red blood cells, oxygen transport throughout the body, energy metabolism and proper functioning of the immune system. Individuals with low levels of iron may experience symptoms like fatigue, dizziness or shortness breath due to decreased oxygen supply to body tissues. Therefore, by supplying heme-iron which has higher absorption rates than non-heme forms like ferrous sulfate found in most supplements, Ezfe can limit negative effects caused by low circulating levels of this crucial element and help patients manage their condition more effectively.
What is Ferrous Sulfate?
Ferrous Sulfate, a form of iron supplement, aids in the production and health of red blood cells. It works by increasing levels of iron in the body which is needed for hemoglobin synthesis - a critical component for oxygen transportation within our system. Ferrous Sulfate was first approved by the FDA many years ago and has been used since to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (such as those caused by anemia or during pregnancy). Unlike Ezfe 200, which is also an oral Iron III hydroxide polymaltose complex that's rich in iron and enhances erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells), Ferrous Sulfate does not have significant interactions with other medications. Its side-effect profile is different from that of Ezfe 200 due to its ability to cause constipation and upset stomach rather than urine discoloration often experienced with Ezfe 200 use. The effects on hemoglobin can be beneficial especially for patients who suffer from anemia due to low levels or inability to absorb sufficient amounts through diet alone.
What conditions is Ferrous Sulfate approved to treat?
Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron supplement that's commonly used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (such as those caused by anemia or pregnancy). Iron is essential for producing red blood cells and keeping your body in good health. Here are the primary uses:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Anemia caused by chronic disease
- Prevention of iron deficiency before, during, and after pregnancy
How does Ferrous Sulfate help with these illnesses?
Ferrous Sulfate is a type of iron supplement that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body. It's often prescribed to treat or prevent low levels of iron in the blood such as those caused by anemia, pregnancy, or poor nutrition. The function of Ferrous Sulfate primarily revolves around facilitating adequate hemoglobin synthesis - vital for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function among other things. Its action on different enzymes within our bodies also contributes to its overall efficacy as an iron supplement. While Ezfe 200 also serves similar purposes, it differs with regard to its formulation and bioavailability differences which might impact absorption rates in some individuals differently than Ferrous Sulfate would. Therefore, doctors may prescribe one over the other depending on individual patient circumstances.
How effective are both Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate?
Both Ezfe 200 and ferrous sulfate have established histories of success in treating iron deficiency anemia. These medications act differently in the body, which can make them suitable for different situations. The effectiveness of both treatments was studied directly in a double-blind clinical trial, where they showed similar efficacy in managing symptoms of iron deficiency as well as promising safety profiles.
A review on Ezfe 200 demonstrated that it is effective from the first week of treatment, has a favorable side effect profile compared to many other iron supplements, and is well-tolerated even by elderly individuals or those with sensitive stomachs. This same study reported that due to its slow-release formulation, Ezfe 200 helps maintain steady levels of serum ferritin without causing gastrointestinal discomfort common with most oral iron supplements.
On the other hand, ferrous sulfate has been found to be more effective than placebo at increasing hemoglobin levels and replenishing depleted iron stores quickly. However, ferrous sulfate is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation or nausea. Despite these potential drawbacks, it remains one of the first-line treatment options for patients with severe iron deficiency anemia due to its high bioavailability and cost-effectiveness. In some cases where tolerance or adherence may be problematic because of adverse effects related to high-dose elemental iron content like that present in Ferrous Sulfate tablets (325 mg), use of lower-dose formulations like heme-iron polypeptide (Ezfe) might prove beneficial given its tolerability advantage.
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At what dose is Ezfe 200 typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Ezfe 200 range from 100-300 mg/day, but studies have indicated that a single daily dose of 100 mg is often sufficient for treating iron deficiency anemia in most people. Children may be started on lower doses depending on their weight and the severity of their condition. For either population, dosage can be increased after a few weeks if there is no response. The maximum dosage that should not be exceeded in any case is 300 mg/day. Similarly, oral dosages of Ferrous Sulfate range from 60-200 mg/day with an average dose being around 150-200mg for adults suffering from iron deficiency anemia while children's dosage generally starts at around half this amount and will depend upon factors such as age, weight and overall health status.
At what dose is Ferrous Sulfate typically prescribed?
Ferrous sulfate treatment usually starts at a dosage of 60–200 mg/day. The dose can then be increased to 300 mg/day, divided into two doses, spaced about 12 hours apart. In cases where the body's iron stores are severely depleted or anemia is particularly severe, the maximum dose may reach up to 600 mg/day. This would be divided into three doses of approximately 200 mg each and administered approximately eight hours apart. It is important for patients not to exceed this limit as excessive intake of iron can lead to serious side effects such as constipation and stomach upset. If there's no response or improvement after a few weeks on the initial dosage, consult your healthcare provider who might consider increasing it incrementally.
What are the most common side effects for Ezfe 200?
Potential side effects of Ezfe 200 might include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Darkened stools (due to the iron)
- Stomach cramps or discomfort
On the other hand, common side effects associated with Ferrous Sulfate can be similar but possibly more pronounced due to its higher iron content. These may include:
- Abdominal pain or stomach cramps
- Constipation followed by diarrhea
- Heartburn and nausea
- Possible blackening of stool and/or urine
Keep in mind that these are potential side effects, not everyone will experience them. It is also crucial to take these medications as directed by a healthcare professional and report any adverse reactions immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Ezfe 200?
Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate are both commonly used iron supplements but can have different side effects.
For Ezfe 200, the potential adverse reactions may include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Darkened stools (which is a common effect when taking iron supplements)
Ferrous Sulfate's side effects might include:
- Allergic reactions: rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Bloody or black tarry stools
- Constipation
- Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
If you experience any severe symptoms while using these medications you should seek medical attention right away. Note that it is normal for both to cause darkening of your stool due to increased iron intake.
What are the most common side effects for Ferrous Sulfate?
Ferrous Sulfate, a commonly prescribed iron supplement, can have the following side effects:
- Stomach upset and pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea, possibly leading to vomiting
- Temporary staining of the teeth (with liquid forms)
- Black or dark-colored stools
- Loss of appetite in some cases.
Unlike Ezfe 200 which is generally well-tolerated, Ferrous Sulfate may also cause more severe symptoms like persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, unusual weight loss if taken in high doses without medical supervision. It's important to note that while these side effects are possible with Ferrous Sulfate use, they do not occur in everyone and may be managed by adjusting dosage or timing of administration under your physician's guidance.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Ferrous Sulfate?
In some cases, ferrous sulfate may cause severe side effects. Symptoms that suggest a serious reaction include:
- Allergic reactions such as hives, itching or skin rash
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Pale skin coloration
- Fast heartbeat or chest pain
- Blood in stools or urine; black tarry stools
- Severe nausea, vomiting (may contain blood) and stomach pain.
If you experience these symptoms after taking ferrous sulfate, cease use immediately and seek professional medical assistance. Remember to always follow dosing instructions carefully when using this medication to lessen the risk of adverse side effects.
Contraindications for Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate?
Both Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate, like other iron supplements, may cause constipation or darkened stools in some individuals. If you notice severe nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain after taking these medications, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Ezfe 200 nor Ferrous Sulfate should be taken if you are already getting enough iron from your diet or have conditions that make it hard for the body to remove excess iron such as hemochromatosis (an inherited disorder causing excessive accumulation of iron in the body) or hemosiderosis (a condition where there's too much iron storage). Always inform your physician about all the medications and dietary supplements that you are taking; this is especially relevant for those who are on antacids or antibiotics as they can affect how well your body absorbs these two forms of supplemental irons.
Furthermore, both drugs need to be stored properly at room temperature away from moisture and heat. They should also be kept out of reach of children since accidental overdose with these medicines by a child is a medical emergency and can result in death.
How much do Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate cost?
For the brand name versions of these iron supplements:
- The price of 30 tablets of Ezfe 200 (200 mg elemental iron as ferric pyrophosphate) averages around $80, which works out to approximately $2.66/day.
- The price for a container with 100 tablets of Ferrous Sulfate (providing about 65 mg elemental iron per tablet) is roughly $10, working out to only about $0.10/day.
Thus, if you require a higher dosage equivalent or prefer less gastrointestinal side effects associated with Ezfe 200, then this brand is more expensive on a per-day treatment basis compared to Ferrous Sulfate. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
For generic ferrous sulfate and branded Ezfe:
- Generic ferrous sulfate remains at an affordable rate ranging from approximately $0.03 - $0.20/day depending on dose requirements.
- Branded Ezfe maintains its higher cost due to its unique formulation designed for better absorption and fewer side effects at prices hovering around the previously mentioned amount ($2-$3).
Remember that prices can vary depending on location and available discounts or insurance coverage, so it's always wise to discuss your options thoroughly with your healthcare provider before making any decisions based purely on cost alone.
Popularity of Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate
Ezfe 200, a brand of heme iron polypeptide, and ferrous sulfate are both prescribed to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Ferrous sulfate is the most commonly prescribed oral iron supplement in the United States. It accounted for nearly 4 million prescriptions in 2020. This formulation has been available for many years, making it a well-known option among healthcare providers.
In contrast, Ezfe 200 is one of the newer forms of oral iron supplements on the market. While exact prescription numbers aren't readily available due to its recent introduction into the market compared to Ferrous Sulfate, it's gaining recognition as an effective alternative with fewer gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and nausea that are common with traditional iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate.
This shift towards more tolerable options like Ezfe 200 can be seen over recent years as physicians aim for improved patient compliance with treatment regimes.
Conclusion
Both Ezfe 200 and Ferrous Sulfate are iron supplements intended for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. They have both proven to be effective in increasing iron levels in the body, though they achieve this through different forms of elemental iron. Ezfe 200 contains heme-iron polypeptide, whereas Ferrous Sulfate consists of non-heme iron.
The difference in their mechanism means that they can have distinct absorption rates and bioavailability; heme-iron as found in Ezfe 200 is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. However, ferrous sulfate is usually considered a first-line treatment due to its lower cost and wide availability.
Both supplements may require some time before noticeable effects occur as your body's iron stores are gradually replenished. Side effect profiles can differ between these two drugs; gastrointestinal side-effects like constipation or nausea may be less common with Ezfe 200 compared to ferrous sulfate due to its unique formulation.
However, individual responses can vary widely so it’s important for patients taking either drug to provide feedback on their experience for optimal management of their condition. As with any medication regime, close monitoring by medical professionals is crucial during supplementation.
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Refrences
- Mimura, É. C. M., Breganó, J. W., Dichi, J. B., Gregório, E. P., & Dichi, I. (2008, July). Comparison of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate chelate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in gastrectomized patients. Nutrition. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2008.03.017
- Pereira, D. I., Couto Irving, S. S., Lomer, M. C., & Powell, J. J. (2014, June 4). A rapid, simple questionnaire to assess gastrointestinal symptoms after oral ferrous sulphate supplementation. BMC Gastroenterology. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230x-14-103
- Melamed, N., Ben-Haroush, A., Kaplan, B., & Yogev, Y. (2007, May 31). Iron supplementation in pregnancy—does the preparation matter?. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-007-0388-3
- Gumber, M. R., Kute, V. B., Shah, P. R., Vanikar, A. V., Patel, H. V., Balwani, M. R., … Trivedi, H. L. (2013, May). Successful Treatment of Severe Iron Intoxication with Gastrointestinal Decontamination, Deferoxamine, and Hemodialysis. Renal Failure. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.3109/0886022x.2013.790299