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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferrous fumarate (Feostat, Ferrets, Hemocyte, Ircon, Nephro-Fer)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or food dyes, or if you have:

• iron overload syndrome;
• hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells);
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
• thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells);
• liver or kidney disease;
• if you are an alcoholic; or
• if you receive regular blood transfusions.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ferrous fumarate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

It is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give ferrous fumarate to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take ferrous fumarate (Feostat, Ferrets, Hemocyte, Ircon, Nephro-Fer)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take ferrous fumarate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous fumarate .

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break a ferrous fumarate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Ferrous fumarate can stain your teeth, but this effect is temporary. To prevent tooth staining, mix the liquid form of ferrous fumarate with water or fruit juice (not with milk) and drink the mixture through a straw. You may also clean your teeth with baking soda once per week to treat any tooth staining.

Ferrous fumarate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.

Store ferrous fumarate at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing.

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