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Brand Names: Slow Fe with Folic Acid

Generic Name: ferrous sulfate and folic acid (Pronunciation: FER us SUL fate and FOE lik AS id)

What is ferrous sulfate and folic acid (Slow Fe with Folic Acid)?

Ferrous sulfate 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.

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ferrous sulfate and folic acid (Slow Fe with Folic Acid)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

sore throat, trouble swallowing;
severe stomach pain; or
blood in your stools.

Less serious side effects may include:

diarrhea;
constipation;
nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
leg pain; or
darkened skin or urine color.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ferrous sulfate and folic acid (Slow Fe with Folic Acid)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, 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), if you are an alcoholic, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

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

Take ferrous sulfate and folic acid 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 sulfate and folic acid.

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid 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 and folic acid from both your diet and your medication.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking ferrous sulfate and folic acid (Slow Fe with Folic Acid)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.