My Life-Changing Experience with Totem Innotech Oral Solution

I've been using the Totem Innotech Oral Solution for Anemia for a while now, and it's been a total game-changer. I picked it up after my latest blood test results for my gynecologist and endocrinologist, and my doctor was blown away that I was still going strong without any major complaints. I didn't have any dizziness, hair loss wasn't an issue, and I didn't have most of the other symptoms associated with anemia. Of course, some days I do feel a bit sluggish, but that's been a constant for me since I was a teenager.

At the time of my blood test, I was already taking Ferum Lek, but my doctor said it wasn't doing much for me - my iron levels were critically low. I got my results on March 10, 2025, and headed to the nearest pharmacy with the doctor's note. I picked up the Totem Innotech solution and started taking it three times a day from March 10.

I needed to take 42 ampules of the solution, but I decided not to buy the last two since Totem isn't sold individually and the price per pack is pretty steep. I figured the two missing ampules wouldn't make a huge difference in the end result. The ampules come in a cardboard box with minimal information about the medication.

A detailed instruction manual is included with the medication. It's quite thick, so I'll just quote the full-sized photo of it below:

Here are some general details about the Totem solution. It's manufactured in France, and the shelf life is two years. In each ampule, there's a specified amount of iron - iron gluconate hydrate, corresponding to elemental iron 50.00 mg.

Indications and Contraindications are listed in the instruction manual, which I've attached a photo of. Dosing and Administration of the medication are also clearly outlined. I was advised to take Totem before meals. I followed this schedule strictly for 40 vials, and never deviated from it.

My therapist told me to use a straw when taking the solution, as it could stain my teeth a darker color. It's not a big deal, but it's aesthetically unappealing. Fortunately, the discoloration faded quickly after completing the course. I took the solution through a straw as instructed, without any issues. However, even with proper precautions, my teeth did stain slightly around the 8-day mark. Fortunately, the discoloration didn't get any darker throughout the course and faded quickly after completing it.

Administration Schedule was a bit tricky for me. I wasn't a fan of the idea of using the cardboard tabs provided to open the vial, so I used a tissue instead. I held the vial in one hand and the tissue in the other, carefully snapping the vial's necks. It wasn't always successful, and I did encounter some tiny glass shards. But I managed to adapt, and none of the shards made it into my water glass.

The Totem dark brown liquid looks a bit syrupy, not like water at all. When I added the liquid from the ampule to the glass with water, the latter took on the color of the liquid. As for the taste, the 'iron' drink was unpleasant, but tolerable. The aroma wasn't the most appetizing either, despite the added flavor enhancer, but I could live with it while drinking the Totem liquid in water.

Interestingly, in March I had to see my endocrinologist and gynecologist again. I asked my therapist for an emergency referral for blood tests. The doctor gave it to me, and I gave the blood sample. I was really curious to see how the iron levels changed after 8 days of taking Totem. The results showed an increase in iron and ferritin, and my therapist said we should continue, as there is an effect.

What's really weird is that I didn't feel any changes in how I felt about myself. My activity levels didn't increase, and I just kept doing things at my own pace. I didn't get any dizzy spells, and that's all I've got to say about that. I didn't feel more energetic, either. If it wasn't for the results of the new blood test, I wouldn't have even guessed that anything had changed with my iron levels.

When I finished the course, I needed to do a follow-up blood test around May 8-9. But one thing or another, and I finally made it to the lab on May 20. The feritin levels hadn't increased much by then, and my iron levels had even dropped slightly. My doctor still noted a positive trend, even though my body just can't seem to hold onto the iron. Not surprising, given that my heavy periods during my period days hadn't changed. She wanted to prescribe me the same medication, but a friend of mine who's a nurse recommended another supplement, saying it does a great job of boosting iron and feritin levels. I showed her the pills I'd chosen, and she gave the thumbs-up. But that's a whole different story - now I'm curious to see what the next results will be...

I've gotta say, I didn't experience any crazy side effects from taking Totem. No stomach issues, no diarrhea, no vomiting. My stool did turn a darker color, but that's not exactly something I'd want to display on a trophy, so I'm not too fussed about it. My teeth did get a bit of a dark tint to them, but that went back to normal after a bit - that's probably the only minor downside I'd say. Overall, my experience with Totem has been pretty positive (despite the weirdness of opening the ampule and the slight discoloration of my teeth).

So, the takeaway is: Totem's solution does the job, it raises iron levels in your blood and feritin levels pretty quickly. I probably wouldn't have bought it without a doctor's recommendation, to be honest - it's always better to get a professional's opinion and run some tests before and after taking it.