Many women who are expecting a baby develop iron deficiency, contributing to iron deficiency anemia. In the treatment of such a disease, special medications are used, the task of which is to replenish iron and increase the level of hemoglobin. One of them is Fenuls. If it was discharged to the expectant mother, then you need to familiarize yourself with the instructions for using the product before starting the appointment, and also find out how to take it correctly and what reviews women leave about it in position.
Features of the drug
"Fenuls" is produced in the form of capsules, which are sold in 10 and 30 pieces in one pack... They have a transparent body and a green lid, and inside there are red, white and orange pellets. The drug is sold without a prescription. The average price of 10 capsules is 150 rubles, and for a pack of 30 capsules you need to pay from 230 to 270 rubles.
The main active ingredient in Fenuls is ferrous sulfate at a dose of 150 mg. 45 mg of pure iron is obtained from it.
In addition to him, the medicine contains ascorbic acid and B vitamins: riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, thiamine and pyridoxine. Auxiliary components capsules are shellac, isopropyl alcohol, ethylcellulose and some other compounds.
Operating principle
The iron compound, which is the basis of "Fenuls", makes up for the deficiency of this element, which often appears during the period of gestation. The main role of iron in the body is the synthesis of heme, therefore, with its lack, the formation of hemoglobin is disrupted and anemia develops. In addition, the presence of iron is important for many metabolic reactions, the synthesis of enzymes and other substances.
The addition of vitamins to iron improves its absorption, and also affects the state of the nervous system, carbohydrate metabolism, cellular respiration, amino acid metabolism, the formation of neurotransmitters and many other reactions. Under the influence of vitamins of group B and ascorbic acid in the body of patients, the processes that were disturbed due to iron deficiency are restored. Due to the fact that vitamins and iron are placed in a capsule in the form of granules, the constituent parts of "Fenuls" are released gradually.
Is it allowed during pregnancy?
"Fenuls" is one of the drugs that are prescribed to women in a position both to eliminate anemia and to prevent a decrease in hemoglobin levels. The risk of developing iron deficiency and the negative consequences it provokes during pregnancy increases, since expectant mothers should receive it every day with food in fairly large quantities, but many women do not succeed. In order to prevent anemic syndrome, in most cases, pregnant women are prescribed iron supplements, including "Fenuls".
And although the medication is included in the list of medicines allowed when carrying a child, it is impossible to drink it without the appointment of a specialist on your own initiative.
The competent use of "Fenuls" provides for medical supervision and regular blood tests, which affect both the dosage and the duration of therapy... In addition, the drug has certain contraindications, it can provoke negative effects in individual women, therefore, capsules should be taken only as directed by a doctor.
When is it prescribed for expectant mothers?
The decision to use "Fenuls" during pregnancy is usually made based on the results of the blood test of the expectant mother, which showed a low level of red cells in the blood and hemoglobin... The drug is also used for mild anemia, when symptoms are weak or may be absent, as well as in a more serious situation, manifested in a pregnant woman by weakness, heart palpitations, pale skin, changes in taste and other symptoms.
If a woman's risk of anemia is increased, "Fenuls" can be prescribed prophylactically. To use to prevent the fall of hemoglobin is often resorted to in the 3rd trimester, because during this period the woman's blood volume increases and the need for iron grows rapidly.
Contraindications
"Fenuls" is not prescribed for women with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the capsules. Contraindications for the use of such a medication also include hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis.
Side effects
Some women react to Fenuls with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or constipation. Sometimes the drug provokes dizziness and allergy symptoms.
When such side effects appear, a doctor's consultation and treatment correction is needed.
Besides, the medication can cause harmless changes. Since it contains riboflavin, the urine of most women when taking "Fenuls" becomes bright yellow, and because of iron, the feces darken. Such changes are not considered dangerous and do not require drug withdrawal.
Instructions for use
The regimen, single dose and duration of taking "Fenuls" is determined by the attending physiciantaking into account symptoms, test results and other medications. The most common daily dosage of the medication is one capsule. The course of treatment can last one month or more.
Reviews
Women who were prescribed "Fenuls" during pregnancy leave mostly positive reviews about the medicine. They note that the remedy helped to eliminate the symptoms of anemia and raised the level of hemoglobin.... Among the main advantages of the drug are called cheapness, good composition, long-term exposure, and a reduced risk of overdose.
Analogs
If it is necessary to replace "Fenuls" with an analogue, the doctor may prescribe other iron preparations. Let's list them.
- Sorbifer Durules... In such tablets, ascorbic acid is added to ferrous sulfate, so the drug is well absorbed and rarely provokes unwanted side effects. The tool is in demand at any gestational age.
- Maltofer Foul... The basis of such a medicine, which is produced in tablets, is iron in the form of polymaltose hydroxide, and the second active component is folic acid. The drug can be used throughout pregnancy.
- Ferlatum. The action of such an oral solution is due to the protein iron succinylate. The medication is allowed for pregnant women at any time and receives a lot of good reviews.
- "Totem"... This ingested solution contains not only iron gluconate dihydrate, but also other important elements - copper and manganese gluconates. The drug is used for anemia in pregnant women and in the early and late stages, and is also prescribed for prevention.
See below for anemia during pregnancy.
