Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Feratab as follows:
- Feratab must be avoided or administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of organ failure, such as, cirrhosis and congestive heart failure. Any amount of iron supplement administered in excess in these individuals can result in increased accumulation of iron in these end organs and lead to further deterioration of liver and heart functions.
- Toxic accumulations of iron in vital organs can compromise the function of these organs, resulting in multiple organ failure. Patients can present with findings such as, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, diabetes, neuropathy, diffuse arthritis, cognitive deficits, and seizures.
- Feratab intake must be avoided in individuals with anemias, not associated with iron deficiency. Deficiencies of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid, despite having their individual pathologies, can present with a basic finding of anemia. These individuals could be having a normal iron content, despite presenting with anemia. Administering Feratab in these individuals, to offset anemic symptoms, does not fix the problem. But, it can result in toxicity with iron overload and so, must be avoided. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of deficiencies with vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid, if any, for appropriate treatment measures to be considered.
