Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement. It is used to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, a blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron.
Take Ferrous sulfate 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, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It may be taken together with food or immediately after a meal to help relieve stomach discomfort. Try to take it at the same time each day.
It may be necessary for you to take Ferrous sulfate 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:
- haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed)
- hemochromatosis (a disorder or disease in which iron levels in the body slowly build up over the years resulting in iron overload)
- stomach ulcer
- bowel inflammation
as Ferrous sulfate may not be suitable for you.
If you are about to receive frequent blood transfusion or iron injection therapy, alert your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach disease
- history of stomach ulcer
- other blood disorders that affect the red blood cell
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ferrous sulfate to a child or an elderly. Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
This medicine may interfere with stool tests. If you are going to have a test for detection of blood in the stool, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
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 (e.g. haemoglobin count, immature red blood cell count, iron level in the blood) while you are being treated with this medicine.
Ferrous sulfate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, stomach pain and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, staining of teeth and dark stools.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
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:
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin
- medicines used for brittle or weak bones e.g. alendronate
- medicines for Parkinson’s disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person) e.g. levodopa, entacapone
- methyldopa (medicine for high blood pressure)
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous sulfate.
Antacids and colestyramine could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids or colestyramine, take between meals 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 sulfate with food such as cereals, dairy and soy products, eggs, tea, and coffee. Ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
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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