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

FeraMAX^® 150 is an oral iron supplement formulated with polysaccharides in a stable complex. It is manufactured by a specialized process whereby the iron is coated with polysaccharides (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.

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

Yes! FeraMAX^® 150 is the original PIC in Canada.

The original polysaccharide-iron-complex (PIC) was from Schwartz Pharma, which developed, manufactured, and launched the first PIC under the brand name Niferex. Schwartz ultimately transferred its manufacturing rights of this PIC molecule to a third party and Niferex was subsequently discontinued in Canada.

BioSyent Pharma contracted the manufacturing exclusivity of this PIC molecule and then continued to manufacture the product under a new brand, namely FeraMAX^®. Consequently, as it is derived directly from the original manufacturing process of PIC, FeraMAX^® is the original PIC molecule.

Currently FeraMAX^® is the only iron supplement manufactured in a North American FDA approved facility.

Subsequently, there have been several “Branded Generic” PICs launched in Canada trying to leverage the success of this formulation that provides less side effects and convenient once a day dosing.

Most iron supplements are ferrous (iron) salts. FeraMAX^® 150 is a polysaccharide-iron complex. This formulation provides a well tolerated high-dosage of elemental iron. It is also the only iron supplement that is Vegan Certified.

FeraMAX^® 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 polysaccharide-iron complex closely resembles endogenous carriers of iron could account for its high bioavailability and reduced side effects.

Polysaccharide-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^® 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.

FeraMAX^® Powder is dosed at 15mg of elemental iron per 1/4 teaspoon. Please click here to go to the Dosing Information page. Dissolve FeraMAX^® Powder in water/juice or mix in soft foods or powdered cereal.

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

BioSyent Pharma is pleased to announce the launch of our Vegan Certified FeraMAX^® 150 capsules. The capsules have the same active ingredient – our innovative Polysaccharide-Iron Complex. The bovine capsule has been replaced with a hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) capsule that is suitable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
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^® 150 conforms to VegeCert’s high standards.
FeraMAX^® Powder does not contain any animal by-product.

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^® 150 can be given with or without food. It is best to take FeraMAX^® 150 at the same time each day.

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 polysaccharide-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.

Because FeraMAX^® 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^®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

FeraMAX^® 150 does not contain lactose, gluten or sulphuric compounds 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.

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

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

No, FeraMAX^® Powder will not stain teeth.

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

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^® 150 is NPN 80013210. The approval number for FeraMAX^® Powder is NPN 80033717.

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.

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

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^® 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: Polysaccharide-iron complex
• Non-medicinal ingredients: carrageenan, D&C Red #28, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Red #40, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium chloride, and titanium dioxide.

Dissolve FeraMax Powder 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