Ferrous fumarate

ferrous fumarate 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).

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.

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

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.

Ferrous fumarate side effects

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.

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