PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANEMIA :

Anemia is the world’s second leading cause of disability and thus one of the most serious global public health problems. Anemia affects over half of pre-school children and pregnant women in developing countries and at least 30-40% in industrialized countries. In poorer malaria endemic countries anemia is one of the commonest preventable causes of death in children under 5 years and in pregnant women.

Symptoms may include:
• look pale
• seem moody
• be very tired
• feel dizzy or lightheaded
• have a fast heartbeat
• have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), an enlarged spleen, and dark tea-colored pee (in hemolytic anemias)
• Slow or delayed growth and development.

The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is more than 50 % in most states, while in young children it is approximately 70 %.

Anemia affects health, survival, productivity, income and development. Iron deficiency with or without anemia impairs cognitive development, limits attention span and shortens memory capacity, resulting in poor classroom performance, high absenteeism, and early dropout rates among schoolchildren. Iron deficiency can cause up to a 30% impairment of physical work capacity and performance and losses of up to 8% of GDP. Anemia due to iron deficiency is among the top 10 leading causes of years lost to disability in low- and middle-income countries, while anemia is the 7th leading cause of years lost to disability in women. WHO estimates that 12.8% of maternal deaths in Asia could be related to anemia.

Existing ways of tackling anemia:

There is a range of treatments or anemia. They all aim to increase the red blood cell count. This, in turn, increases the amount of oxygen the blood carries.
Treatment will depend on the type and cause of anemia.
• Iron deficiency anemia: Iron supplements or dietary changes. If the condition is due to loss of blood, the bleeding must be found and stopped.
• Vitamin deficiency anemias: Treatments include dietary supplements and B-12 shots.
• Thalassemia: Treatment includes folic acid supplementation, removal of the spleen, and, sometimes, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.
• Anemia of chronic disease: This is anemia associated with a serious, chronic underlying condition. There are no specific treatments, and the focus is on the underlying condition.
• Aplastic anemia: The patient will receive blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.
• Sickle cell anemia: Treatment includes oxygen therapy, pain relief, and intravenous fluids. There may also be antibiotics, folic acid supplements, and blood transfusions. A cancer drug known as Droxia or Hydrea is also used.
• Hemolytic anemias: Patients should avoid medication that may make it worse and they may receive immunosuppressant drugs and treatment for infections. Plasmapheresis, or blood-filtering, might be necessary in some cases.

About UNIRON-OS :

Role of ingredients:

· Iron has a role in the process of cell division, contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body, to normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
· Vitamin C increases iron absorption, contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
· Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
Cobalamin (B12):
Cobalamin is crucial for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function. It plays a key role in brain development and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.

Impact of Deficiency: B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It can also cause neurological problems such as tingling or numbness in the extremities, difficulty with balance, and memory loss.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for children’s growth and development, particularly for bone health.
• It plays a vital role in the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D is involved in regulating calcium levels in the blood, promoting proper mineralization of bones and preventing conditions such as rickets.
• It also supports the immune system, contributing to a healthy immune response and reducing the risk of infections.
• Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, poor bone growth, and an increased risk of rickets, a condition characterized by skeletal deformities. It may also impact immune function and increase the susceptibility to infections.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A Deficiency:

• In India, an estimated 190 million preschool-age children are at risk of vitamin A deficiency, with prevalence varying across different regions (1).
• According to UNICEF, approximately 62% of children between 6 and 59 months of age in India have subclinical vitamin A deficiency (2).
• WHO estimates that vitamin A deficiency contributes to approximately 50,000 child deaths annually in India (3).
• Vitamin A is essential for the human immune system to function well and can help increase resistance to disease and improve chances for survival, growth, and development. Severe Vitamin A deficiency can cause diseases of the eye leading to blindness during early childhood. (WHO, 2007).

Advantages of Uniron Oro soluble granules:

· Ferrous form of iron is absorbed thrice as much as ferric form of iron.
· Ease of administration to the patient who cannot swallow, and patient who refuse to swallow such as pediatric, geriatric and psychiatric patients.
· Ability to be swallowed without water which is highly convenient for patients who are travelling or when immediate access to water is difficult.
· Rapid dissolution and absorption of the drug, which will produce quick onset of action.
· Result in an increase in bioavailability compared to conventional drugs.
· Good mouths feel to change the perception of medication as bitter pill particularly in pediatric patients.
· Stability for longer duration of time, since the drug remains in solid dosage form till it is consumed.
· More rapid drug absorption through pre-gastric absorption from the mouth, pharynx and esophagus.
· Unlike chewable tablets does not require to be crushed in the mouth with teeth
· Faster on set of action.
· No vomiting sensation
· No metallic taste
· No staining/discoloration of teeth.

INDICATIONS:

• For treatment of all anemia responsive to oral iron therapy.
• As a prophylactic for young girls and children.
• In treatment of folic acid deficiency.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

(1) Hemochrornatosis, Hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemias and known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

PRECAUTIONS:

Discontinue use if symptoms of intolerance appear.
Do not exceed prescribed dosage: severe vomiting, dehydration and restlessness may occur.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Chloramphenicol delays iron clearance from plasma and iron incorporation into red blood cells and interferes with erythropoiesis.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Stools may appear darker in color.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

One sachet once daily or as directed by the physician.

PRESENTATION:

2g sachet.

SHELF LIFE:

24 Months.