ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide

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Pronunciation: FER us foo MAR ayt, FOH lik AS sid, I urn pol ee SAK uh ryd

Brand: Tandem F

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What is the most important information I should know about ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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

What is ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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.

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

Ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide is a combination medicine used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body) and folate deficiency anemia.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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

  • iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis);
  • hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells); or
  • pernicious anemia (low red blood cells caused by vitamin B12 deficiency).

To make sure ferrous fumarate, folic acid, 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.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. 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 anyone under 12 years old without medical advice.

How should I take ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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).

What should I avoid while taking ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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.

What are the possible side effects of ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

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.

What other drugs will affect ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide?

Other drugs may interact with ferrous fumarate, folic acid, 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.

Where can I get more information?

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

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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