Generic name: Ferrous fumarate
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Ferretts Iron?
Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.
Ferrous fumarate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).
Ferrous fumarate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use ferrous fumarate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- iron overload syndrome; or
- hemolytic anemia.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- a stomach ulcer;
- an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis; or
- blood transfusions.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Do not give ferrous fumarate to a child without the advice of a doctor.
How should I use Ferretts Iron
Use Ferretts Iron (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Take ferrous fumarate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take with food if ferrous fumarate upsets your stomach.
You may need frequent medical tests.
You may need to follow a special diet while using ferrous fumarate. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.
Do not take this medicine for longer than 6 months without a doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Ferretts Iron side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain;
- severe nausea or vomiting;
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- blood or tarry stools; or
- bright red blood in your stools.
Common side effects may include:
- constipation, diarrhea;
- stomach cramps;
- loss of appetite; or
- black or dark-colored stools or urine.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Ferretts Iron?
Avoid eating foods that are high fiber at the same time you take your ferrous fumarate dose. High-fiber foods include whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran.
Avoid milk or other dairy products for at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take ferrous fumarate.
Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.