ferrous fumarate

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Pronunciation: FER us FUE ma rate

Brand: Ferretts Iron, Ferrocite, Ferro-Sequels, Hemocyte, Ircon

What is the most important information I should know about ferrous fumarate?

You should not use ferrous fumarate if you have iron overload syndrome, or other red blood cell disorders.

What is ferrous fumarate?

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferrous fumarate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferrous fumarate?

You should not use ferrous fumarate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • iron overload syndrome;
  • anemia (a lack of red blood cells); or
  • thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells).

To make sure ferrous fumarate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver or kidney disease;
  • porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
  • if you are an alcoholic; or
  • if you receive regular blood transfusions.

It is not known whether ferrous fumarate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

It is not known whether ferrous fumarate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give ferrous fumarate to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take ferrous fumarate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take ferrous fumarate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous fumarate.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break a ferrous fumarate tablet. Swallow it whole.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Ferrous fumarate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of ferrous fumarate can be fatal to a child.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking ferrous fumarate?

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

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb ferrous fumarate.

What are the possible side effects of ferrous fumarate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • bright red blood in your stools; or
  • pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a ferrous fumarate tablet.

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation, diarrhea;
  • nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
  • loss of appetite; or
  • black or dark-colored stools or urine.

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

What other drugs will affect ferrous fumarate?

Other drugs may interact with ferrous fumarate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ferrous fumarate.


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

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