Tardyferon B9 is a dietary supplement that contains iron and folic acid, designed to prevent deficiencies during pregnancy when dietary intake may be insufficient. However, it should not be used as a preventive measure for the risk of congenital neural tube defects.
1. What is Tardyferon B9?
Tardyferon B9 includes: Iron 50 mg (derived from 154.53 mg of dried ferrous sulfate), Folic acid (anhydrous) 0.350 mg, and excipients: maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, triethyl citrate, talc, ammonia methacrylate copolymer dispersion type A and B, and glycerol dibehenate…
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is crucial for red blood cell production and efficient oxygen transport in the bloodstream. When supplemented through food or as a separate supplement, iron is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa in the form of ferrous (II) iron, binds to a transport protein, and is then distributed to the bone marrow, where red blood cells are formed.
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Once in the body, it is converted into tetrahydrofolate, a necessary coenzyme for synthesizing purines and pyrimidines, which are vital for DNA synthesis.
2. Indications for Tardyferon B9
Is Tardyferon B9 beneficial? This product, manufactured by Pierre Fabre Company in France, is available in extended-release tablet form. Since iron salts are often poorly absorbed with only about 10-20% of the oral dose being absorbed, the gradual release of iron from Tardyferon B9 increases absorption over time.
Tardyferon B9 is used to prevent iron and folic acid deficiencies during pregnancy when the mother cannot maintain an adequate diet. It should not be used to primarily prevent the risk of congenital neural tube defects (spina bifida).
The recommended dosage is one tablet per day, containing 50 mg of iron and 0.350 mg of folic acid, starting in the fourth month of pregnancy and continuing through the last two trimesters.
Tardyferon B9 should be taken orally, swallowed whole with a full glass of water, and not chewed, sucked, or held in the mouth. The timing of the dose may be adjusted to suit individual digestive tolerance.
3. Contraindications for Tardyferon B9
Do not use Tardyferon B9 if you have:
- A history of allergy to any of its ingredients
- Iron overload conditions
4. Warnings and Precautions When Using Tardyferon B9
To prevent mouth ulcers and tooth discoloration associated with Tardyferon B9, do not suck, chew, or hold the tablet in your mouth; swallow the entire tablet with a full glass of water.
Additionally, consuming large amounts of tea may inhibit the absorption of iron in Tardyferon B9. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid taking Tardyferon B9 at the same time as tea. Lastly, keep Tardyferon B9 out of reach and sight of children.
5. Side Effects of Tardyferon B9
Tardyferon B9 may cause a range of side effects, classified according to their frequency of occurrence.
Common Side Effects (1 to 10 patients out of 100):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Change in stool color
- Nausea
Uncommon Side Effects (1 to 10 patients out of 1,000):
- Laryngeal edema
- Abnormal stool characteristics
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Gastritis
- Itching
- Swelling of the skin
Side Effects with Unknown Frequency:
- Change in tooth color
- Oral ulcers
- Allergic reactions
- Urticaria (skin rash and itching)
- Temporary tooth discoloration if Tardyferon B9 is used incorrectly, such as crushing, sucking, or holding the tablets in the mouth for extended periods.
- In elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, using Tardyferon B9 may lead to esophageal lesions or bronchial necrosis if the drug is mistakenly injected.
6. Interactions of Tardyferon B9 with Other Drugs
Combination Not Recommended:
- Do not combine Tardyferon B9 with injectable iron (salt form) as this can cause fainting or even shock due to rapid iron release from the complex and saturation of transferrin.
Combination to Note:
- Iron ions inhibit the absorption of oral cyclins; therefore, Tardyferon B9 should not be taken simultaneously with cyclins. It's advisable to maintain a gap of about 2 hours between their usage.
- When treatment with iron is stopped, there is an increased risk of toxicity from the active ingredient D-penicillamine.
- There is a reduction in iron absorption when Tardyferon B9 is taken with cell protectors. Use Tardyferon B9 at least 2 hours apart from antacids.
To avoid potential drug interactions with Tardyferon B9 and other medications, especially injectable iron salts, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are currently using.
7. Use of Tardyferon B9 for Pregnant and Lactating Women
Clinical trials involving thousands of pregnant women have shown that iron sulfate, an ingredient in Tardyferon B9, does not cause harmful effects to pregnant women or their fetuses. Therefore, under normal circumstances, Tardyferon B9 can be prescribed for use during pregnancy.
While there is no assessment of whether iron sulfate is excreted in breast milk, based on the drug's nature, breastfeeding women can generally use Tardyferon B9.
8. Overdose of Tardyferon B9
Overdoses of Tardyferon B9, particularly in children under 2 years of age, can occur if large amounts are ingested. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal irritation and necrosis, vomiting, nausea, and shock in many cases.
Prompt treatment of a Tardyferon B9 overdose is crucial and may include gastric lavage with a 1% sodium bicarbonate solution.
Chelating agents, particularly deferoxamine, are effective, especially when serum iron concentrations exceed 4 μg/mL. Conventional methods should be employed to address shock, dehydration, and acid-base imbalances.
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