Ferrous fumarate and folic acid

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid

What is ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent certain types of anemia (low red blood cells) caused by iron or folic acid deficiency.

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of ferrous fumarate and folic acid

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe stomach pain or vomiting;

• cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• Fever; or

• bloody or tarry stools.

Common side effects of ferrous fumarate and folic acid may include:

• heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• a change in the color of your stool.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Seek emergency medical attention if a child accidentally swallows a tablet.An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use ferrous fumarate and folic acid if you are allergic to ferrous fumarate or folic acid, or if you have:

• iron overload syndrome;

• pernicious anemia (caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12); or

• hemolytic anemia (a condition in which red blood cells in the body are destroyed faster than new ones can be made).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a vitamin B12 deficiency;

• thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells); or

• a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Special tests may be needed before using this medication during pregnancy.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take your doses at regular intervals to ensure a consistent amount of medicine in your body at all times.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet.

You can take this medicine with food if you have stomach upset.

You may need to follow a special diet while using ferrous fumarate and folic acid. Follow all instructions from your doctor or nutritionist. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid to control your condition.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Get medical help immediately if a child accidentally swallows a tablet.An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizures.

What should I avoid when taking ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Certain foods can make it harder for your body to absorb ferrous fumarate and folic acid.At least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine:

• Avoid coffee or tea.

• Avoid dairy products (such as milk, cheese, or yogurt).

• Avoid eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or “fortified” bread or cereals.

Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that your doctor has not prescribed.

What other drugs affect ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Sometimes it is not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some medications can affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. If you are taking any of the following medicines, take them separately (2 to 4 hours apart) from your dose of ferrous fumarate and folic acid:

• an antacid; or

• an antibiotic.

Other medications can affect ferrous fumarate and folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.