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 essential for the production of haemoglobin, a component 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.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You may take this medicine with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ferrous fumarate is available as a tablet, capsule, and oral syrup.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral syrup, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Ferrous fumarate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
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 buildup in the body or increased stores of iron in body tissues
- paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (a rare blood disease in which your immune system attacks your red blood cells and breaks them down)
- active peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract) e.g. ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the rectum)
- any form of anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body) not caused by low levels of iron in the body
- undergoing repeated blood transfusions
as Ferrous fumarate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Ferrous fumarate with dimercaprol (medicine used to treat poisoning by heavy metals [e.g. lead, mercury]) or injectable preparation of iron.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of peptic ulcer
- microcytic anaemia (presence of red blood cells that are smaller than usual) resistant to iron therapy
- previous gastrectomy (surgical removal of a part or all of the stomach)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ferrous fumarate to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. stool test), 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.
Routine blood tests 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 fumarate may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach discomfort, staining of teeth, and loss of appetite.
This medicine may also cause your stool to be darker in colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
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.
Do not take Ferrous fumarate with the following medicines:
- dimercaprol (medicine used to treat poisoning by heavy metals [e.g. lead, mercury])
- injectable iron preparation
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (a 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
- medicines used for Wilson's disease (a rare genetic disorder that causes excess copper to build up in the body) e.g. penicillamine, trientine
- medicines for osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- mycophenolic acid (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- methyldopa (medicine for high blood pressure)
- antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids)
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- supplements containing calcium, magnesium, and zinc
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous fumarate.
This medicine may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease). If you are taking levothyroxine, take it at least 2 hours apart from taking Ferrous fumarate.
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, dietary fibre, milk or other dairy products, soy products, eggs, tea, and coffee. These types of food may make it harder for your body to absorb this medicine.
You may ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
