What is Ferrous fumarate and folic acid?
Ferrous fumarate is one type of iron. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B. Iron and vitamin B are essential for the production and maintenance of healthy red blood cells. Combination medicine containing ferrous fumarate (ferrous oxide) and folic acids is used to treat certain types of anemia, or low red blood cell count. This condition can be caused by iron or folate deficiencies. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for ferrous fumarate or folic acid.
Side effects of Ferrous fumarate and folic acid
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical advice immediately!
Both ferrous fumarate (FeF) and folic acids can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
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Severe stomach pain or nausea
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Cough, bloody mucus, and vomit that looks similar to coffee grounds
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Fever;
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Bloody or tarry stool.
Side effects of ferrous fumarate or folic acid include:
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Stomach pain, heartburn;
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Nausea, vomiting;
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Diarrhea, constipation;
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Change the color of your stool.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice regarding side effects? Consult a medical provider immediately.Contacting the FDA with reports of adverse side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If a child accidentally swallows a tablet, seek emergency medical care. An iron overdose in children may prove fatal.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ferrous fumarate or folic acids, or you suffer from:
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Iron overload syndrome
Pernicious anemia, also known as pernicious deficiency anemia or pernicious anaemia, results from insufficient levels of vitamin b12. Hemolyticanemia if present; inform your healthcare provider immediately of any of the following issues:
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A vitamin B12 deficiency;
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Thalassemia
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A condition that requires regular blood transfusions.
Inform your doctor if breastfeeding or pregnancy is a possibility. This medicine may require special testing before use during pregnancy. Do not give this medicine without consulting with a physician first.
How to take Ferrous fumarate and folic acid?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. To ensure that you have a constant amount of drug in your system, take your doses regularly. Take this medication with a glass of water. After taking the tablet, avoid lying down for 10 minutes.Medications that upset your stomach should be taken with food to ensure maximum efficacy. A special diet may also be required when using ferrous fumarate or folic acid; please follow your physician or dietician's advice when eating or not eating certain food to manage symptoms effectively and store away from heat, moisture and light until its next use - always tightly secure your bottle when not in use!
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line immediately on 1-800-222-1222, or seek emergency medical attention if a child accidentally swallows an iron overdose tablet; an overdose could even prove fatal for children as their lives could be at stake.
Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with blood, or bloody vomit. Other symptoms are shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, blue lips and skin, as well as pale skin.
What should be avoided?
Some foods can reduce your body's ability to absorb ferrous fumarate and folic acids. Do not take this medication for at least 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following the time you took it.
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Avoid coffee and tea.
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Avoid dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
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Avoid eating meat, fish, liver, and "fortified whole grain" breads and cereals.
You should not take vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor prescribes them.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective. Take any of these medicines separately (between 2 and 4 hours) from the ferrous fumarate or folic acid.
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An antacid;
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Is an antibiotic.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect ferrous fumarate or folic acid. Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking or have recently added or discontinued using.
