Comparison of efficacy, tolerability, and cost of newer with conventional oral iron preparation

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia in women of reproductive age group is a major health problem in India. Objective: The present study was designed to compare the efficacy, tolerability, and cost, of three oral iron preparations among the anaemic pregnant women (n=6o) of gestation (12-24 weeks). Methodology: The patients were divided into 3 groups (n=20) and treated with ferrous fumarate(100mg), ferrous bisglycinate (100mg),and carbonyl iron(100mg) respectively. Follow-up was done for 3 months. Haemoglobin gm%, mean corpuscular volume and reticulocyte count were assessed at 0,1,2,3 months and serum ferritin at 0 and 3 months. Adverse effects were monitored and cost analysis was done at end of three months. Results: Significant increase in Hb was seen in all three groups (p<0.001) but, no significant difference was found between three treatments in relation to increase in Hb. Increase in ferritin with ferrous fumarate was significantly more than other treatments (p<0.05). Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain was significantly more with ferrous fumarate but patient compliance was not affected due to them. Ferrous fumarate was the cheapest amongst all three treatments. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, ferrous fumarate still can be considered best cost effective medication with tolerable side effects for treatment as well as prevention of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy.

Keywords

• ferrous fumarate
• ferrous bisglycinate
• carbonyl iron
• hemoglobin
• serum ferritin