ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)

Brand Names: Tandem

Generic Name: ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide

• What is ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• What are the possible side effects of ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• How should I take ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tandem)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tandem)?
• What should I avoid while taking ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• What other drugs will affect ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide (Tandem)?
• Where can I get more information (Tandem)?

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide are two different types 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 and iron polysaccharide is a combination medicine used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• black or dark colored stools.

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.

You should not use this medicine if you have hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or hemolytic anemia.

You should not use ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide if you are allergic to it, or if you have

• iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis); or
• hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells).

To make sure ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• ulcerative colitis;
• stomach ulcers or similar stomach problems; or
• a history of a gastrectomy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you become pregnant during treatment. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Use 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.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, between meals or at bedtime.

Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child who has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms may include metallic taste in the mouth, bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, loss of consciousness, or seizure (convulsions).

Iron is contained in many vitamin or mineral supplements. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much iron. Avoid taking any vitamin or mineral supplement your doctor has not recommended.

Other drugs may interact with ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide.

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