Ferrous Fumarate

 
Generic Name: ferrous fumarate

Brands: Femiron, Feostat, Ferret, Fumasorb, Hemocyte, Ircon, Nephro-Fer

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What is the most important information I should know about Ferrous Fumarate?

· Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

· Ferrous Fumarate may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Ferrous Fumarate if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

What is Ferrous Fumarate?

· Ferrous Fumarate is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

· Ferrous Fumarate is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.

· Ferrous Fumarate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Ferrous Fumarate?

· Do not take Ferrous Fumarate if you have     ·hemochromatosis,     ·hemosiderosis, or     ·hemolytic anemia.

· Ferrous Fumarate may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· If you do not have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor about the use of Ferrous Fumarate. Generally, Ferrous Fumarate should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate if you are pregnant.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Ferrous Fumarate?

· Take Ferrous Fumarate exactly as directed by your doctor, or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each tablet with a full glass of water.

· Chew the chewable forms of Ferrous Fumarate completely before swallowing.

· Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon to measure the dose. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Mix the liquid forms of Ferrous Fumarate with water, juice, or another beverage as directed and drink the mixture through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth.

· Take Ferrous Fumarate on an empty stomach for best results. If stomach upset occurs, take Ferrous Fumarate with food or following a meal.

· Ferrous Fumarate may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Ferrous Fumarate if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

· Store Ferrous Fumarate at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

· Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Ferrous Fumarate overdose include decreased energy; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; tarry stools; a weak, rapid pulse; fever; coma; seizures; and death.

 

What should I avoid while taking Ferrous Fumarate?

· Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

· Ferrous Fumarate may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Ferrous Fumarate if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

What are the possible side effects of Ferrous Fumarate?

· If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Ferrous Fumarate and seek emergency medical attention.

· Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking Ferrous Fumarate and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience     ·stomach upset,     ·nausea or vomiting,     ·constipation,     ·diarrhea,     ·black or darker than normal appearing stools, or     ·temporary staining of the teeth.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with Ferrous Fumarate. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Ferrous Fumarate?

· Do not take Ferrous Fumarate within 2 hours of a dose of any of the following medicines     ·a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox), demeclocycline (Declomycin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), or troleandomycin (TAO);      ·a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), sparfloxacin (Zagam), and trovafloxacin (Trovan);     ·levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);     ·levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);     ·methyldopa (Aldomet); or     ·penicillamine (Cuprimine).

· Ferrous Fumarate may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.

· Do not take antacids within 2 hours of a dose of Ferrous Fumarate. Antacids may decrease the absorption of Ferrous Fumarate.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ferrous Fumarate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking Ferrous Fumarate.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Ferrous Fumarate written for health professionals that you may read.

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