Orofer XT: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Orofer, Orofer-XT, Orofer XT tablet, Ferrous ascorbate with folic acid, Iron with folic acid
Orofer XT is a tablet understood to contain ferrous ascorbate (an iron salt) and folic acid. It is used on a doctor's advice to treat low iron and low folate, including iron deficiency anaemia. A doctor should find the cause of the anaemia. Iron tablets are dangerous in overdose, especially for children, so keep them out of reach.
- Active ingredient
- Ferrous ascorbate VERIFY on pack + Folic acid VERIFY on pack
- Type of medicine
- Vitamins and minerals
- Used for
- Anaemia, Iron deficiency anaemia
- Starts working in
- Iron stores and blood counts improve over weeks; a doctor may repeat blood tests
- Effect lasts
- The NHS says iron tablets for iron deficiency anaemia are usually taken for about six months; your doctor decides
- With or without food
- Taking iron with or soon after food may reduce stomach upset, according to the NHS; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Ask your doctor; the NHS advises limiting alcohol while taking folic acid
- Pregnancy
- Used in pregnancy only on a doctor's advice about the right amount
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Orofer XT used for?
- How does Orofer XT work?
- How to take Orofer XT
- Side effects of Orofer XT
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Orofer XT
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Orofer XT used for?
Orofer XT is an iron and folic acid product. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat low iron and low folate, including iron deficiency anaemia.
- Treating iron deficiency anaemia and replacing iron when the body is short of it
- Replacing folate (folic acid) when the body is short of it
How does Orofer XT work?
The body uses iron to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen, and folic acid to make new red blood cells. The tablet supplies both so the bone marrow can make healthy red blood cells again.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet breaks down in the stomach and gut.
Iron and folic acid are absorbed
Iron and folic acid are taken up in the gut and carried in the blood.
The bone marrow uses them
Iron is built into haemoglobin, and folic acid helps new red blood cells form.
Blood counts improve
Over weeks, more healthy red blood cells carry oxygen and tiredness can ease.
The rest leaves the body
Iron that is not absorbed passes out in the stool and can make it darker.
How to take Orofer XT
Take Orofer XT exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the amount and how long you need it. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- Take it as the pack or your doctor says; the NHS says taking iron with or soon after food may reduce side effects.
- Tea, coffee, milk and dairy foods can reduce how much iron is absorbed, according to the NHS.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two doses together.
- Keep taking it even if mild side effects occur, and tell your doctor or pharmacist if they are hard to bear.
- Your doctor may repeat blood tests to check your levels and decide how long you need it.
Side effects of Orofer XT
Iron tablets often upset the stomach. These effects are usually mild.
Uncommon or mild
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Feeling sick
- Darker than usual stools
- Bloating or wind
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, an itchy raised rash or difficulty breathing (severe allergic reaction). Call 112
- Black, sticky stools with stomach pain, or vomiting blood (the dark colour from iron is harmless, but these signs need a doctor)
Who should be careful
Some people should check with a doctor before taking Orofer XT, and iron must be kept away from children.
When the label says not to use it
Ferrous ascorbate
- Allergy to iron or any ingredient of the product
- Too much iron in the body (for example haemochromatosis) unless a doctor advises
- Keep iron tablets out of the reach of children: the NHS warns that an iron overdose in a young child can be fatal
- Anaemia with no known cause: a doctor should find the cause, such as heavy periods or bleeding in the gut
- Vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia: folic acid can hide the signs of B12 deficiency while nerve damage continues, so the cause of anaemia should be confirmed first
- Stomach ulcer or bowel inflammation: ask your doctor
- Too much iron in the body, such as haemochromatosis: do not use unless a doctor advises
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor about the right amount
Medicines and things that interact with Orofer XT
Iron can stop some medicines being absorbed, and some foods and medicines reduce how much iron is absorbed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Calcium supplements and antacids: can reduce iron absorption; keep a gap
- Thyroid tablets such as levothyroxine: keep a gap between doses
- Some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones: keep a gap between doses
- Epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin: folic acid can change their effect
- Tea, coffee, milk and dairy foods: the NHS says they can reduce how much iron is absorbed
If someone takes too much
Too much iron is dangerous, especially in children. If someone has swallowed more than the label says, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital straight away and take the pack with you. Do not wait for symptoms.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as an iron and folic acid product. Orofer XT is understood to contain ferrous ascorbate and folic acid. Neither was confirmed absent from the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and this exact pairing was not checked. Whether it is labelled prescription-only must be read from the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Iron with folic acid tablets are sold under many brand names with different amounts of each ingredient. Check the label for the ingredients and strength, and do not combine two such products without asking your doctor or pharmacist.
Other strengths and forms
Iron with folic acid is sold in different strengths and in combinations with other vitamins and minerals. The contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
What is Orofer XT used for?
It is understood to supply iron (as ferrous ascorbate) and folic acid to treat low iron and low folate, including iron deficiency anaemia. A doctor should confirm the cause with a blood test. Check the pack for the exact ingredients.
Is Orofer XT a prescription medicine?
Check the pack, where the schedule and licensing are printed. Iron products are widely sold, but a doctor should confirm that low iron is the problem and find its cause before you take it for a long time.
Why do iron tablets make stools dark?
Iron that is not absorbed passes out in the stool and darkens it. This is common and usually harmless. If stools are black and sticky with stomach pain, or you vomit blood, see a doctor.
How long do iron tablets need to be taken?
The NHS says iron tablets for iron deficiency anaemia are usually taken for about six months, with repeat blood tests. Your doctor decides how long, so do not stop on your own even if you feel better.
Are iron tablets dangerous for children?
Yes. The NHS warns that an iron overdose in a young child can be fatal. Keep them out of sight and reach. If a child has swallowed any, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital straight away.
Sources
- Iron deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)
- Iron. NHS (UK)
- Folic acid: medicine used to keep your baby healthy in pregnancy and to treat folate deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)