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

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.