Ferrous gluconate is used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia (low red blood cell count caused by lack of iron in your body). Iron is essential in the production of haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells which carry and provide oxygen to body tissues.
Take Ferrous gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other types of anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
- haemochromatosis (an inherited disorder in which the body stores too much iron)
- haemosiderosis (iron storage problem) or haemoglobinuria (iron absorption problem)
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach or, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- alcoholism e.g consume large amounts of alcohol or frequent drinker
- receiving regular blood transfusion
- receiving iron via infusion (drip)
as Ferrous gluconate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them) and other types of anaemia
- blood disorders
- history of peptic ulcer
- inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract)
- intestinal stricture (abnormal narrowing in the intestine that makes it difficult for food to pass through)
- undergone operation to remove parts of the stomach
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have a test for occult blood in the stool, inform your doctor that you are taking Ferrous gluconate as this medicine may color the stool black.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. blood count, iron level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Ferrous gluconate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dark-coloured stool, heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), and dental carries (on long-term use). If you have constipation, this can be relieved with medicines such as laxatives and adequate fluid intake.
Your urine may discolour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone
- methyldopa (medicines for high blood pressure)
- certain antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, neomycin
- mycophenolate (medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines for thyroid disease e.g. thyroxine
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- dimercaprol (medicine used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous gluconate.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacid, take it at least 2 hours apart from Ferrous gluconate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid taking Ferrous gluconate with food such as cereals, fibres, tea, coffee, eggs, and milk. Ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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