Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ferrocite as follows:
- Ferrocite must be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of hemolytic anemias, such as, sickle cell or thalassemia. Hemolytic anemias usually are inherited genetic defects, resulting in poor structural stability of the red blood cells. Structurally deficient red blood cells are prone to damage and lysis, before completion of their lifespan. Hemolytic anemia can also be secondary to autoimmunity, when individuals can develop antibodies acting against their own red blood cells, thus resulting in damage of lysis of the cells. Irrespective to the basic pathology, individuals with history of hemolysis can present with findings of anemia. As blood cells are lysed in these individuals, the released heme and iron accumulate in the body in various vital organs, leading to the symptoms of tissue iron toxicity. Administering Ferrocite in these individuals, to offset anemic symptoms, can worsen the toxicity with iron overload and so, must be done with extreme caution.
- Ferrocite 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.
- Ferrocite must be administered with extreme caution in individuals with chronic history of severe alcoholism. Alcohol consumed in excessive amounts can result in the body absorbing dietary iron in significantly large amounts than normal. Excess of the iron absorbed results in iron overload and accumulation in various vital organs, contributing to iron toxicity.
