FeraMax

Patient FAQ's

Speak to a Pharmacist about FeraMAX® Pd

Canadian Pharmacist counselling is also available via telephone or email.

Check to see if you have any signs of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency/ Iron deficiency anemia symptoms tracker for adults and children

Print FeraMAX® Pd coupons from the comfort of home or work.

Frequently Asked Questions by Patients

General FeraMAX® Questions

Compliance to iron therapy is very important, and you may need to continue taking iron supplements for 3-6 months after your hemoglobin levels have returned to normal, to build iron stores in the bone marrow. Consult your HCP prior to use and for prolonged use.

Store FeraMAX® in a cool dry place (between 15ºC and 30ºC), out of direct sunlight. Keep this and all medicines safely out of the reach of children.

FeraMAX® is available across Canada and supplied by all major pharmacy wholesalers/distributors to pharmacies.

All oral iron products are regulated by Natural Health Product Directorate and thus no longer have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) but rather a Natural Health Product Number (NPN). NPN’s are generally not being covered by drug plans. Some drug plans cover oral iron supplements so we advise to contact your Insurance Company and enquire about coverage.

Health Canada regulations stipulate that all oral iron supplements are now registered as Natural Heath Products and not under the old system of assigning them a Drug Identification Number (DIN). All oral iron products currently on the market have had their DIN’s discontinued and their numbers reassigned to the NHPD (Natural Health Product Directorate).

The approval number for FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is NPN 80075623. The approval number for FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 is NPN 80109337.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 capsules are Vegan Certified. The active ingredient is the innovative Polydextrose-Iron Complex. The capsule is made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) that is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.

This VegeCert logo proves that our product has been audited and inspected by inspectors from Kashruth Council of Canada (COR). These inspectors visit our manufacturing facilities to ensure that FeraMAX® Pd conforms to VegeCert’s high standards.

FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 does not contain any animal by-products.

During pregnancy
Menstruating girls and women
Pre-term infants and children
Iron deficient anemia
Hemodialysis
Post-gastric bypass or bariatric surgery
Hookworm; intestinal parasites

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is available in a bottle of 100 capsules or carton of 30 capsules.
FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 is available in an 83 g bottle.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is an oral iron supplement formulated with polydextrose in a stable complex. It is manufactured by a specialized process whereby the iron is coated with polydextrose (starches/sugars). This coating allows the iron to pass through the stomach relatively intact where it is absorbed through the small intestine and is then delivered to the bloodstream.

• It is a dark brown powder which, when dissolved in water forms a very dark brown solution.

• It is virtually tasteless and odorless.

• It is an organic complex and contains no free ions, also described as being non-ionic.

• Due to the polysaccharide coating (matrix) it is electrically neutral.

The patented formulation sets FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 apart from all other oral iron supplements. It does not have a generic and cannot be substituted. The unique polydextrose delivery mechanism assures a more uniform molecular structure of the iron complex, leading to a more reproducible, reliable quality.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is manufactured in North America, in a US FDA and Health Canada- approved facility.

The new packaging and capsules take patient safety into consideration and help easy identification.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 continues to deliver the same proven efficacy, and tolerability with the convenience of once daily dosing, and can be taken with or without food.

Vegan-certified and recognized by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Gluten, lactose, alcohol-free.

We have redesigned the packaging to make it more patient-friendly, so you can find relevant clinical information easily. FeraMAX® and dose are clearly visible on the capsule, using advanced printing technology, to help identify FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 and organize your medications easily.

The colorants used in the new FeraMAX® capsules are approved by Health Canada and US FDA. The new colours have been derived by changing the proportions of the current colours, and the addition of a new colorant from the same family. D&C Red #28 has been replaced with D&C Red #33 and a new colorant FD&C yellow #6 has been added. All the colours have been tested rigorously to ensure that they are gluten free, and do not change any quality parameters including shelf life, compared to the former capsules. The product continues to be released for use as per the same exacting standards.

 

The ferric iron in FeraMAX® Pd is now complexed with polydextrose, which leads to a more uniform molecular structure, leading to a more reproducible and reliable quality. There is no change in efficacy, tolerability, and dosing with FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 (30 and 100 capsules) has replaced FeraMAX® 150 in pharmacies across Canada.

FeraMAX® is now available in a new and enhanced formulation. The Pd in the new FeraMAX® logo, stands for Polydextrose. FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is the only Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC) in Canada.

The ferric iron (Fe3+) is now complexed with polydextrose, which leads to a more uniform molecular structure. This is a patented formulation and makes FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 unique.

The packs and capsules have been redesigned to improve ease of use, and identification among other medications.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 capsules can be opened carefully over the sink, and the contents mixed into a glass of water or sprinkled over soft foods.

  • Medicinal ingredient: Polydextrose-iron complex
  • Non-medicinal ingredients: carrageenan, D&C Red #33, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium chloride, and titanium dioxide.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is a unique, patented formulation using an enhanced delivery system for elemental iron. It is the only Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC) in Canada. There is no generic available.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 does not contain lactose, gluten in its formulations. These are the most common ingredients that patients are concerned about. It does contain artificial coloring agents and trace amounts of sodium.

Because FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is taken only once a day and is rapidly absorbed, it should be possible to safely adjust the dosage schedules and thereby minimize possible interaction in the gastric system. It is generally sufficient if the doses are adjusted so that they are taken a few hours before or after other medication. Use caution when prescribing FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 with the following pharmaceuticals:

  • Antacids
  • Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline)
  • Quinolines (e.g., cipro, floxin, levaquin, tequin)
  • Chloramphenicol
  • Pancreatic enzymes
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Alendronate
  • Cefdinir
  • Etidronate

Ferrous (iron) salt supplements have a number of unwanted side effects including nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and constipation. Because of these adverse effects, many users stop taking their supplements, which can lead to a rapid deterioration of their health. In contrast, most users of polydextrose-iron complex (PIC) supplements report that they experience either very few or no side effects. This increases patient compliance with the supplement dosage and duration prescribed by their physician.

Many oral iron supplements should be taken on an empty stomach; however this increases the likelihood of adverse side effects. Due to its formulation and how it is absorbed, FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 can be given with or without food. It is best to take FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 at the same time each day.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 delivers 150 mg of elemental iron per capsule – the highest dosage of bioavailable iron in an iron supplement. One capsule per day provides all of the iron necessary for treating iron deficiency and iron deficient anemia.

Polydextrose-iron complex absorption across the cell membrane in the duodenum is mediated by the transporter DMT-1. Once inside the enterocyte, iron can exit into the bloodstream and bind with transferrin or, if the body’s need for iron is met, the iron binds to ferritin inside the enterocyte which will eventually be eliminated. The transferrin-iron complex rapidly delivers iron to bone marrow and red blood cell precursors, where it is taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis and used to form hemoglobin.

Extra iron is stored primarily in the liver, bone marrow, and to a lesser extent in the spleen.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is positively charged and soluble at pH < 4.0. This solubility at low pH may be associated with improved absorption.
X-ray diffraction analysis shows that polysaccharide-iron complexes have a ferrihydrite (β-FeOOH) structure that closely resembles the structure of ferritin, the natural intracellular protein that binds iron in duodenal cells.

The fact that the polydextrose-iron complex closely resembles endogenous carriers of iron could account for its high bioavailability and reduced side effects.

Conventional iron supplements are ferrous (iron) salts, which release iron in the stomach. This is responsible for most side effects associated with iron therapy such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea, dark stools, and bloating. Because of the side effects, patients might stop taking the iron salt. Stopping medication could lead to poor results and treatment failure.

Oral iron salt supplements contain 35 to 100 mg of elemental iron per capsule. Because of this low dose, in order to achieve treatment success, all such forms of oral iron need to be taken 2 to 3 times daily.

By contrast, FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 liberates less ionic iron in the stomach compared to iron salts as it is less affected by the acidity in the stomach. It releases its ferric iron closer to the site of absorption in the duodenum. FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 delivers an optimal dose of 150 mg of elemental iron per capsule, convenient for once-daily dosing, and helps patients stay with the treatment.

It is also Vegan Certified, and hence appropriate for all patients. Some iron supplements (with heme iron) contain animal products, and hence might be unsuitable for patients with dietary restrictions.

Yes! FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is the only polydextrose-iron complex (PDIC) in Canada.

FeraMAX® is known for innovation in iron therapy, and as reliable partners to HCPs in the management of Iron Deficiency. First to market with a vegan-certified capsule, and first to market with a water-soluble powder.

FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 is manufactured in North America, in a US FDA and Health Canada- approved facility.

FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45

FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45 is taken orally as a daily chewable tablet.

What are the active ingredients in FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45?

FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45  contains 45 mg elemental iron (ferric) as Polydextrose-Iron Complex (PDIC), 75 mg vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and 1,000 mcg Vitamin B12  cyanocobalamin).

In alphabetical order: citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C yellow

#6 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, mannitol, modified food starch, mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, orange flavour, sucralose, trisodium citrate, vanilla flavour, xylitol.

Helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia and supports the formation of red blood cells. Helps the body to metabolize nutrients and energy and supports the immune system. Take as part of a healthy diet, to maintain normal iron levels, and to prevent iron deficiency and associated tiredness and fatigue.

Adolescents and adults (14 years and above) are eligible to use FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45.

The elemental iron used in the development of FeraMAX® Pd products (i.e., FeraMAX® Pd

Maintenance 45, FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15, and FeraMAX® Pd Therapeutic 150 capsules) is based on a homogeneous type of polysaccharide – Polydextrose (Pd) – linked to ferric (Fe3+) elemental iron, to form the patented Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC). The different molecular makeup of PDIC versus traditional products which are based on polysaccharide iron complex (PIC) leads to a more uniform structure, which results a more reproducible and reliable quality.*

*BioSyent Pharma Inc. Mississauga. Data on file.

Vitamin C helps the body to metabolize nutrients and energy and supports the immune system.

Vitamin B12 is also an important ingredient, as it supports the formation of red blood cells. The Iron along with vitamin C and vitamin B12 taken as part of a healthy diet, help to maintain normal iron levels, and to prevent iron deficiency and associated tiredness and fatigue.

None of the FeraMAX family of products stain teeth.
This includes FeraMAX Powder, our child-friendly powder version (15mg/1/4 tsp); with FeraMAX Pd Maintenance 45, chewable does not stain teeth, nor does the capsule contents of FeraMAX Pd Therapeutic 150.

FeraMAX® Pd maintenance 45 does not contain sugar.
There are four ingredients which may potentially alter the blood glucose levels, sucralose and xylitol which are artificial sweeteners; the other two ingredients are “modified food starch” and “mannitol”. There are less than 2 calories per chewable tablet of FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45. Therefore, FeraMAX® Pd maintenance 45 may be considered a safe product for diabetic patients and is not expected to raise blood glucose levels significantly.

Both the orange and vanilla flavours come from natural plant sources. As a reminder, FeraMAX® Pd Maintenance 45 is vegan certified, as are all versions of FeraMAX®.

FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15

Dissolve FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 in water or mix in soft foods or powdered cereals.

Medicinal ingredients: 120 X 15 mg doses of elemental iron
Non-medicinal ingredients: Grape and Raspberry flavouring, maltodextrin, sucralose

No, FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 does not have a metallic taste as our polysaccharide-iron complex is tasteless. We have added a pleasant tasting grape/raspberry flavour.

No, FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 will not stain teeth.

Yes, FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 is safe for babies and children. Click here for further information of the science and safety of FeraMAX®.

FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15 is free of gluten, lactose, sulphuric compounds and alcohol.

In an 83 g bottle of FeraMAX® Pd Powder 15, there is 1800 mg of elemental iron which equals 120 x 15 mg doses of elemental iron.

All oral iron products are regulated by Natural Health Product Directorate and thus no longer have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) but rather a Natural Health Product Number (NPN). NPN’s are generally not being covered by drug plans. Some drug plans cover oral iron supplements so we advise to contact your Insurance Company and enquire about coverage.

Speak to a Pharmacist about FeraMAX® Pd

Canadian Pharmacist counselling is also available via telephone or email.

Check to see if you have any signs of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency/ Iron deficiency anemia symptoms tracker for adults and children

Print Feramax® Pd coupons from the comfort of home or work.

Order FeraMAX® Pd Online

FeraMAX® Pd is available through PHARMEX Direct – a fully accredited, Canadian, direct delivery pharmacy.

Find out what people are saying about FeraMAX®

If you have already been diagnosed with low iron or iron deficiency anemia then FeraMAX® may be the product for you. We have a list of FAQs which may help to answer any questions you have about using FeraMAX®.

Order FeraMAX® Pd Online

Iron deficiency is quite common, but the causes and symptoms differ depending upon the individual patient. You can find out more information about the causes and symptoms of low iron.

Find out what people are saying about FeraMAX®

If you have already been diagnosed with low iron or iron deficiency anemia then FeraMAX® may be the product for you. We have a list of FAQs which may help to answer any questions you have about using FeraMAX®.