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ATC codes: B03AD03 B03AD02 B03AD05
Indication
Anencephaly or similar anomalies ICD11 code: LA00
Medicine type
Chemical agent
List type
Core
Formulations
Oral > Solid > tablet: 60 mg elemental iron + 400 µg tablet ; 60 mg elemental iron + 2.8 mg
EML status history
First added in 1982 (TRS 685)
Changed in 1984 (TRS 722)
Changed in 1987 (TRS 770)
Changed in 1997 (TRS 882)
Changed in 2015 (TRS 994)
Changed in 2023 (TRS 1049)
Sex
All
Age
Adolescents and adults
Therapeutic alternatives
The recommendation is for this specific medicine
Patent information
Patents have expired in most jurisdictions
Summary of evidence and Expert Committee recommendations
The Expert Committee recommended the inclusion of a new strength formulation of ferrous salt + folic acid (60 mg elemental iron + 2.8 mg folic acid) on the core list of the EML as a weekly-administered supplement for prevention of anaemia in menstruating women and adolescent girls, and for reducing the risk of neural tube defect-affected pregnancies. The Committee noted that weekly intermittent supplementation with this formulation was associated with similar outcomes as daily iron and folic acid supplementation and is likely to be associated with advantages in terms of adherence. The Committee also noted that weekly iron and folic acid supplementation is recommended in multiple WHO guidelines.