Hematogen
Hematogen is a medication that contains a combination of iron and other vitamins, including vitamin C and B12. It's taken by mouth to treat different types of anemias. It's available under multiple brand-name medications with different strengths.
What is Hematogen?
What is Hematogen used for?
Treatment of all anemias that respond to oral iron therapy, which can include:
- Iron-deficiency anemia related to pregnancy
- Blood loss
- Dietary limitations
- Metabolic disease (conditions that cause problems with breaking down food into nutrients)
- Recovery after surgery
How Hematogen works
Hematogen is a dietary supplement that raises iron levels in your body. It's used to treat people with certain types of anemias. Anemia is a condition where there are low levels of red blood cells in the body. Iron is needed to make red blood cells, which help carry oxygen around the body.
Drug facts
Side effects of Hematogen
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
Less Common Side Effects
- Chest pain
- Flushing of the face, arms, or legs
Hematogen serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Iron overdose: severe stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, trouble breathing, unresponsiveness
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Pros and cons of Hematogen
Pros
- Only needs to be taken once a day
- Convenient to take, because it combines important vitamins and minerals into one capsule
- Available in multiple strengths
- Formulated to allow for better iron absorption and less stomach upset than other iron-containing supplements
Cons
- Might cause stomach problems
- Can be dangerous for children because of accidental iron overdose
- Can't be used if you have too much iron in your body (iron overload)
- Folic acid-containing formulations can't be used if you have pernicious anemia (a condition of poor vitamin B12 absorption).
Pharmacist tips for Hematogen
- Let your provider know if you're taking other medications before starting Hematogen so they can help you see if there are any interactions between your medications.
- In general, medications containing iron should be taken on an empty stomach, since this helps your body absorb the mineral better. But, if Hematogen makes you nauseous, it may help to take it with food.
- Hematogen can be taken to treat anemia during pregnancy. But, speak with your provider before taking this medication if you're pregnant. They might want to suggest another formulation that contains folic acid, like Hematogen FA or Hematogen Forte.
- Talk to your provider about any other vitamin supplements you take, including OTC supplements. Some multivitamin products also contain iron. And, since Hematogen contains high amounts of iron, you might end up taking too much if you take it along with other iron supplements. Taking too much iron can be very dangerous.
Common questions about Hematogen
Hematogen contains ferrous fumarate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), and desiccated stomach powder. Ferrous fumarate raises the amount of iron in the body, and helps the body make more red blood cells. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from your diet. It also helps iron move more efficiently from the blood into the organs in the body. Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells as well. And, desiccated stomach powder contains a protein called intrinsic factor that helps the body absorb more vitamin B12.
All three of these supplements are made up of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. But, they contain additional ingredients that are different. Hematogen also contains desiccated stomach powder (intrinsic factor), which helps the body absorb more vitamin B12. On the other hand, Hematogen FA, Hematogen Forte, and Trigels-F Forte contain folic acid as an extra ingredient. Folic acid is an important supplement for people with certain types of anemia. It also helps with the development of a baby's brain and spinal cord when taken during pregnancy. Additionally, all three formulations contain different amounts of each ingredient. Talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you're taking the right supplement for you.
No. Hematogen is a specific formulation of all three of these ingredients that can't be found OTC. One capsule of Hematogen contains 200 mg of iron (ferrous fumarate), 250 mg of vitamin C, and 10 mcg of vitamin B12. Iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 are available OTC individually in many different forms. Since there are different types of supplements that are available over the counter, it's important to carefully read the label on the back of the bottle for a full list of the type and amounts of each ingredient. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about OTC supplements.
Hematogen contains iron, which can affect how certain medications get absorbed into your body. Certain antibiotics (like doxycycline) might not be absorbed as well if taken with iron. On the other hand, antacids (like calcium carbonate) can lower the amount of iron that gets absorbed. Other medications that can interfere with iron include levodopa (which is found in Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)), levothyroxine (Synthroid), omeprazole (Prilosec), and other calcium supplements. Because of these interactions, it's best to take Hematogen at least 2 hours before or after these medications. Always let your provider know all of the medications you currently take or plan to take.
No, Hematogen should only be used by adults. If your child needs to take an iron or vitamin supplement, ask their provider or pharmacist which product is best. There are multivitamin supplements that are made specifically for infants and children, like Poly-vi-sol. And, many of these supplements also contain iron. Medications like Hematogen can be dangerous if accidentally ingested by young children. If children take too much iron, especially children under 6 years old, it can be deadly. Make sure your medication bottle is tightly closed and stored away from your child.
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Risks and warnings for Hematogen
Hematogen can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of accidental overdose
- Risk factors: Children under 6 years old | Iron-related conditions
Keep Hematogen out of reach of children to prevent them from accidentally taking it. Accidental overdose with medications containing iron is a leading cause of fatal (deadly) poisoning in children under 6 years old. Symptoms of iron overdose include severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that you or your child has accidentally overdosed on Hematogen, get emergency medical help or contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Because Hematogen contains iron, you can't take it if you have too much iron in your body (iron overload). Too much iron can be dangerous, because it can cause damage to your stomach, heart, and liver. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any iron-related conditions before taking Hematogen.
Hematogen dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg/10mcg | 30 capsules | $25.51 | $0.85 |
Typical dosage for Hematogen
-
Hematogen, Hematogen FA, or Trigels-F Forte: The typical dose is 1 capsule by mouth once daily, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
-
Hematogen Forte: The typical dose is 1 to 2 capsules by mouth once daily.
How much does Hematogen cost?
$25.51
Hematogen contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hematogen will not be safe for you to take.
- Iron overload
- Pernicious anemia
What are alternatives to Hematogen?
Treatment of all anemias that respond to oral iron therapy, which can include:
