Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release

Generic Name: ferrous gluconate

Brands: Fergon, Ferralet, Simron

What is the most important information I should know about Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

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

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

What is Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

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

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

Who should not take Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

· Do not take Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release if you have ·hemochromatosis, ·hemosiderosis, or ·hemolytic anemia.

· Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release 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 Gluconate Extended Release. Generally, Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release if you are pregnant.

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

How should I take Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

· Take Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release 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.

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

· To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring spoon or cup, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Store Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release 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 Gluconate Extended Release 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 Gluconate Extended Release?

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

What are the possible side effects of Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

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

· Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release 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 Gluconate Extended Release. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release?

· Do not take Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release 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), or trovafloxacin (Trovan); ·levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet); ·levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others); ·methyldopa (Aldomet); or ·penicillamine (Cuprimine).

· Ferrous Gluconate Extended Release may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.

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

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

Where can I get more information?

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

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