Description:

Polyfer Capsules  is a hematinic supplement containing iron and folic acid. It is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemias due to folic acid deficiency, nutritional anaemias from poor diet/illness, and deficiencies during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, or childhood. It supports hemoglobin production, red blood cell formation, and energy levels, with iron for oxygen transport and folic acid for cell division/maturation.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC). No prescription required; widely sold in Ghanaian pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Top-Up Pharmacy, BeyBee Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) and chemical shops, typically priced around GH₵12 for 30 capsules.

Therapeutic Category:

Hematinic / Iron + folic acid supplement / Nutritional supplement (for anaemia treatment/prevention and nutritional support).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule typically contains:

• Iron (as Iron(III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex equivalent to elemental iron, e.g., ~30-50 mg; some listings note forms like ferrous sulfate 150 mg equivalent to ~39 mg elemental iron).
• Folic acid (e.g., 0.5-1 mg or 1 mg). Excipients: Standard capsule fillers (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate; refer to label for exact list).

Vitamins: Yes – Folic acid (Vitamin B9/folate).

Minerals: Yes – Iron (primary; from polymaltose complex or ferrous sulfate for better tolerance/absorption in some variants).

Variant: Standard capsule formulation (often in packs of 30 capsules; “Polyfer” line includes syrup variants like Polyfer Forte Syrup, but capsules focus on iron + folic acid; no major sub-variants noted beyond pack size).

Consume Type:

Oral (capsule; swallow whole with water, preferably after meals).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Usually 1 capsule once daily (or as directed by a doctor/pharmacist), after meals to reduce GI upset. Children/Pregnant women: Adjusted dose (e.g., 1 capsule daily or as advised). Take consistently for anaemia prevention/treatment; duration weeks to months based on need (e.g., pregnancy or deficiency correction). Follow label or healthcare provider instructions; best with vitamin C-rich foods for enhanced iron absorption.

Common Side Effects:

• Dark/black stools (harmless from iron)
• Mild GI upset: Nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, diarrhea
• Metallic taste
• Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching) Polymaltose complex forms are generally better tolerated with less constipation than traditional ferrous salts.

Package Type:

Blister packs or strips containing 30 capsules (e.g., 3×10 or 30’s in carton; standard pharmaceutical packaging).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not exceed recommended dose (risk of iron overload/toxicity).
• Not for individuals with iron overload disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis) without medical advice.
• Consult a doctor before use in pregnancy (beneficial for anaemia prevention), breastfeeding, children, or if anaemia persists (requires blood tests for diagnosis).
• Iron overdose is dangerous in children—store securely.
• May interact with antibiotics or antacids (space doses).
• Seek medical help for persistent symptoms or overdose signs (severe vomiting, abdominal pain).

Product Substitutes: Other iron + folic acid capsules/syrups in Ghana: Durol Tonic/Capsules (Dannex), Astyfer Capsules/Syrup, Chemiron, Feroglobin Capsules, Haemovit, or generics like iron polymaltose/fumarate + folic acid (e.g., from Kinapharma, Luex, or Entrance). Consult a pharmacist for equivalents based on needs (e.g., pregnancy anaemia or general supplementation).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

M&G Pharmaceuticals Limited (MGP; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company, established in the 1990s, producing or marketing Polyfer range among other products like Zintab and Ezipen).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by M&G Pharmaceuticals; common for affordable hematinics in the Ghanaian market).