Frequently asked questions

Weliva^® Cimidona^® is intended for adult women experiencing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, irritability, nervousness, trouble sleeping, mild joint pains, and headaches. ¹

If these symptoms align with your patients’ experiences, Weliva^® Cimidona^® may be worth considering to support symptom management.^1,2

Weliva® Active Iron^TM is a clinically proven iron supplement. Its advanced protein formulation is clinically proven to provide better absorption compared to iron sulfate and is gentle on the stomach.^1,2

Weliva® Active Iron^TM is clinically proven to minimize the occurrence of constipation¹, making it gentle on the stomach and easy on digestion.^1,2 It uses a unique whey protein technology that allows the iron to be carried safely through the stomach to the small intestine, where it is absorbed more efficiently. As a result, Weliva® Active Iron^TM is well absorbed and tolerated.²

Your patients can start taking Weliva^® Cimidona^® as soon as they start to experience menopausal symptoms.¹

Weliva^® Cimidona^® contains Ze 450, an exclusive naturally sourced extract of Actaea racemosa, also known as Black cohosh.³ This extract has been clinically proven to be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms menopause. ^4-6

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Weliva^® Active Iron^TM is formulated to be well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, so a lower dose of iron has demonstrated it can be effective. ^1,2 Traditional iron supplements often use large doses because much of the iron is not absorbed, which can contribute to stomach discomfort and other side effects.² Active Iron^TM uses a unique protein-based formulation that helps protect gut cells and supports iron absorption. Because the body can take up the iron more efficiently, a lower dose can deliver meaningful results while supporting tolerability.²

While the mechanism of action of Ze 450 (Actaea racemosa extract) in Weliva^® Cimidona^® is yet to be fully elucidated, evidence indicates that the Ze 450 extract acts through non-estrogenic, neuro-hormonal pathways. Experimental studies show partial agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1D, 5-HT₇) and µ opiate receptors, which are involved in hypothalamic thermoregulation. By modulating these receptors, Ze 450 may stabilize the temperature-control centre of the brain and thereby reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.^4,6-10

Since In vitro studies have shown that Ze 450 does not mediate any estrogenic effects, it could be considered a non-hormonal alternative to menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). ^7,8

Non-pregnant women aged 19–50 typically require about 18 mg of iron per day, while men in the same age group need only 8 mg.3 This difference reflects the higher iron requirements of women during their reproductive years.

Important: The RDA (recommended dietary allowance) reflects total daily intake from food and supplements, not necessarily the dose of a supplement alone.

The RDA is the average daily amount of a nutrient that meets the needs of ~97–98% of healthy individuals in a specific age and sex group.

Evidence from in vitro cell proliferation and receptor-binding assays, as well as in vivo studies measuring skin temperature in ovariectomized rats, indicated that Actaea racemosa extract acts through a non-estrogenic pathway. In these experiments, Actaea racemosa extract was compared with estradiol, confirming the absence of estrogen-like effects.^7,8

Health Canada recommends 18 mg of iron per day for women of reproductive age who are not deficient in iron. A 25 mg dose provides additional support for women with lower iron levels and helps account for variability in iron absorption. Iron intake and absorption can vary, especially when it’s derived from plant-based sources.

Pregnant women have the highest iron requirements, with a recommended daily iron intake of 27 mg.³

Weliva^® Cimidona^® does not have any clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.²

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) has been shown in several human clinical trials to have no clinically important effects on multiple metabolic enzymes. However, there is a potential concern for interactions with certain transporters in the liver, which could reduce the effectiveness of such drugs as amiodarone, fexofenadine (Allegra^®), glyburide, and many statin medications. ⁷

Active Iron^TM helps support your iron and energy levels while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and abdominal pain. ^1,2

Active Iron^TM supports:

• Energy associated with low iron levels

• Helps to form red blood cells

Cautions and warnings: Patients should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or they have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble.¹

Contraindications: Do not use in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.¹

Weliva^® Active Iron^TM provides 25 mg of iron per capsule and is intended to support the iron needs of individuals with low iron levels.

Health Canada’s tolerable upper intake level (UL)* for iron from all sources is 45 mg per day for adults. Excess iron use may be harmful, but since Active Iron is well below the UL it is safe to be taken daily, while still being effective.

*Tolerable upper intake level (UL): The highest average daily nutrient intake level that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects may increase.

No. Weliva^® Cimidona^® is specifically designed for women dealing with menopausal symptoms. It's not meant for or recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.¹

Each Weliva^™ Cimidona^® tablet contains 44 mg lactose.¹²

Active Iron^TM is suitable for individuals who have or are at risk of having low iron levels. This includes women with heavy periods, women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, athletes, and those following iron-restricted diets.

Weliva^® Cimidona^® contains no added gluten, wheat, yeast, soy, artificial flavours, colours, or sweeteners.¹³

Yes, Active Iron^TM is suitable for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women. It helps pregnant women meet Health Canada's recommended iron intake, when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet.

The non-medical ingredients in in Weliva^® Cimidona^® are colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone.¹³

Yes, Active Iron^TM is suitable for vegetarians, but not for vegans. It contains whey protein isolate (a purified milk protein) used to help carry iron through the stomach for better absorption and gentler digestion.^1,2

Cimidona^®, containing the Ze 450 extract, is generally well-tolerated based on clinical studies and has in general been effectively used since 2005.^5,6 In prospective clinical trials involving more than 1,200 patients, black cohosh was not associated with serum enzyme elevations during treatment and no cases of clinically apparent liver injury were reported in direct relation to black cohosh extract.³

In addition, two independent reviews found no evidence linking standardized black cohosh extracts to liver toxicity:

• A meta-analysis of 1,020 women in five randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials showed no significant differences in liver function tests between black cohosh and placebo groups.¹⁴

• A critical review of 69 reported liver-injury cases concluded that the data were inconsistent and had confounded variables, and did not support a causal link to black cohosh use.¹⁵

Overall, these data indicate that Cimidona^® does not adversely affect liver function. As with any supplements, patients should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or they have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble.¹

Yes, Weliva^® Active Iron^TM is formulated to be gluten-free and yeast free, with no added sugars or artificial preservatives.

Athletes are at an increased risk of low iron due to the demands of intense training and exercise and may require higher levels of iron to maintain optimal performance.

Advise your patients to inform their anesthesiologist and surgeon about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements they are taking. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, some supplements may impact anesthesia or surgery, so the care team may recommend pausing them temporarily.¹⁶

Weliva^® Cimidona^® has no known adverse effects on the ability to drive or use machines.¹

Active Iron^TM provides a well absorbable form of iron¹ that can help form and support the proper function of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to the muscles, improve energy levels, and reduce fatigue associated with low iron levels.

Menopausal symptoms may improve after a minimum of 6 weeks of Weliva^® Cimidona^® use.¹ Evidence indicates symptom improvement can continue through 9 months of use.⁵

Active Iron^TM is clinically proven to increase iron levels by 2.2 times over 6 weeks.²

Individual experiences may vary.

Tell your patients that they can find Weliva^® Cimidona^® at most pharmacies and retailers since it's available over the counter.

Active Iron’s patented whey protein formulation helps protect the stomach from the irritating effects of iron, minimizing the likelihood of side effects which could include constipation, abdominal pain and diarrhea. ^1,2

To order Weliva^® Cimidona^®, pharmacies can contact pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors and provide the corresponding product identification numbers.

• McKesson: 187730

• K&F: 169698

The capsule may have a slight vinegar-like smell from its acidity regulator, but it has no lasting taste once swallowed.¹

Simply follow this link to fill out some information, and request samples.

Take one capsule daily with food, a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products.

Weliva^® Active Iron^TM can be taken at any time of day with food. Certain foods and ingredients, such as milk, calcium, antacids, high fiber foods, and caffeine, can interfere with iron absorption if taken at the same time, so it’s best to avoid taking Weliva^® Active Iron^TM alongside these.

Only one capsule is needed per day, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

Medicinal Ingredients (per capsule): Iron/Elemental Iron – 25 mg (from ferrous sulfate formulated in a whey protein matrix).

Non-medicinal ingredients: Whey protein isolate, sodium acetate, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, polysorbate 20, capsule shell (hypromellose, calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium carbonate, sodium copper chlorophyllin).

Visit our Where to Find page to see where Weliva^® Active Iron^TM is available for purchase.