Ferium D3 Tablet (Cholecalciferol)

Medicine overview

Ferium D3 is an oral combination nutritional tablet rather than a cholecalciferol-only product. Each film-coated tablet contains ferrous ascorbate equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron, folic acid 1.5 mg, cyanocobalamin 7.5 mcg, pyridoxine hydrochloride 1.5 mg, and cholecalciferol 1,000 IU.

Iron contributes to haemoglobin and oxygen transport, folate and vitamin B12 support normal red blood cell formation, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

What it is used for

Ferium D3 supplies iron and several vitamins in one tablet. Iron is required to make haemoglobin, while folate and vitamin B12 have important roles in normal blood-cell production. Pyridoxine is involved in numerous metabolic reactions and haemoglobin formation. Cholecalciferol supports vitamin D status and promotes calcium absorption. Product-specific treatment claims beyond nutritional supplementation could not be confirmed from an official Ferium D3 prescribing insert.

How it works

The ingredients act through different nutritional pathways. Iron is incorporated into haemoglobin, the red-blood-cell protein that transports oxygen. Folate is needed for DNA synthesis and cell division, while vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation and nervous-system function. Vitamin B6 participates in many enzyme reactions, including haemoglobin formation. Cholecalciferol is converted to active vitamin D metabolites that help regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption, supporting normal bone mineralization.

How it is taken

Take Ferium D3 by mouth according to the product label or healthcare professional's instructions. Do not take more than directed. Because this is a multi-ingredient product containing 100 mg elemental iron, administration may need to be separated from medicines whose absorption is affected by iron, including levothyroxine and some antibiotics; ask a pharmacist or prescriber about appropriate timing.

Important warnings

Do not use Ferium D3 if you are allergic to any ingredient. Because it contains 100 mg elemental iron, it should not be taken unnecessarily by people with iron overload or certain anaemias not caused by iron deficiency; accidental iron overdose can be particularly dangerous in children. Iron can reduce absorption or effectiveness of medicines including levothyroxine and levodopa, and can interact with some antibiotics. Vitamin D can contribute to hypercalcaemia when taken excessively, and additional vitamin D, calcium, iron, or multivitamin products should not be added without checking the total intake. Seek medical attention for severe allergic symptoms or possible overdose.

Side effects and monitoring

Iron-containing supplements commonly cause gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhoea, particularly at higher supplemental iron doses.

Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcaemia; warning symptoms can include vomiting, confusion, increased urination, bone or joint pain, or an irregular heartbeat.

Seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction. When the product is being used to correct a documented deficiency, appropriate blood tests may be used by the treating clinician to monitor response.

Pregnancy

Ferium D3 contains nutrients commonly required during pregnancy, including iron and folic acid, but this exact combination and its amounts should be used during pregnancy only when appropriate for the individual's nutritional needs. Avoid combining it with prenatal or other vitamin/mineral supplements without checking total iron and vitamin D intake.

Breastfeeding

Check with a healthcare professional before using it during breastfeeding, particularly if other iron, vitamin D, or multivitamin supplements are also being taken.

Food and drink

Food can reduce some gastrointestinal effects from supplemental iron, but certain foods and beverages may reduce iron absorption. Tea, milk, and eggs can interfere with absorption of oral iron preparations. Calcium may also interfere with iron absorption, so separate calcium and iron supplements may need to be taken at different times.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light, and keep out of reach of children.