Ferrous fumarate is used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia (low red blood cell count caused by a lack of iron in your body). Iron is used in the production of red blood cells, which carry and provide oxygen to body tissues.
Take Ferrous fumarate 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 is best taken on an empty stomach. However, you may take it with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
It may be necessary for you to take Ferrous Fumarate for a long time. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe.
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:
- too much iron build-up in the body
- active or untreated stomach ulcer
- inflammation of the bowel e.g. ulcerative colitis
- anaemia not caused by iron-deficiency or other blood disorders
as Ferrous fumarate may not be suitable for you.
DO NOT take Ferrous fumarate with iron injection or dimercaprol (a medicine used to treat metal poisoning).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach ulcer
- microcytic anaemia (presence of small red blood cells) resistant to iron therapy
- previous gastrectomy (surgical removal of a part or all of the stomach)
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child, especially in premature infant. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are undergoing repeated blood transfusions.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Ferrous fumarate.
Ferrous fumarate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, darks stools or urine, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), and staining of teeth.
This medicine may also cause your stool or urine to change to a darker colour. 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.
DO NOT take Ferrous fumarate with the following medicines:
- dimercaprol (medicine used for various metal poisonings)
- injectable iron preparations
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (a disorder that affects movement) e.g. entacapone, levodopa
- methyldopa (medicine for high blood pressure)
- certain antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
- medicines for bone disease e.g. risedronate
- medicines used for Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder that causes excess copper build up in the body) e.g. penicillamine, trientine
- mycophenolic acid (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines that contain calcium, magnesium and zinc
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous fumarate.
Antacids and colestyramine could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids or colestyramine, take them at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.
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 alcohol.
Avoid taking Ferrous fumarate with food such as cereals, dairy products, eggs, spinach, tea, and coffee.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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