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 used for the production of red blood cells, which carry and provide oxygen to body tissues.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
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 or 2 hours after a meal. It may be taken at meal times to help relieve stomach discomfort. Try to take it at the same time each day.
It may be necessary for you to take Ferrous Gluconate 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 haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed) or hemochromatosis (a type of hereditary disorder) as Ferrous Gluconate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other types of anaemia
- blood disorders
- stomach ulcer
- inflammation of the bowel
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a premature infant and child.
Inform your doctor if you have undergone 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 Gluconate.
Ferrous Gluconate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, darks stools, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting. If you have constipation, this can be relieved with medicines such as laxatives and adequate fluid intake.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, heartburn (is a symptom when food or acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste) and staining of teeth. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost.
This medicine may also cause your 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.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for Parkinson's disease e.g. entacapone, levodopa
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. methyldopa
- certain antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, neomycin
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. mycophenolate
- medicines for thyroid disease e.g. thyroxine
- cholestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- calcium supplements or calcium-containing products
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous Gluconate.
Ferrous Gluconate should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take Ferrous Gluconate 2 hours before or 4 hours after you have taken antacids.
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, dairy and soy products, eggs, spinach, tea, coffee 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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