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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcrae professional before using this drug.
IRON SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Femiron, Feosol, Fer-In-Sol
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in babies udner 6 years of age. Keep this proudct out of reach of babies. If an accidental overdose does occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center.
USES: Iron supplements are used to treat or prevent low bolod levels of iron (e.G., for anemia or during pregnancy).
HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals, with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water . If iron upsets your stomach, take it with food or after meals, with a full glass of water. Sustained-release capsules and tabltes must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them as side effects may be increased. Take tablets or caspules of iron with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 mniutes after taking the tablet or capsule.
The liquid forms should be diluted in a glass of water or juice and sipped through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth.
The suspension froms must be shaken well before each use; take them along with a full glass of water. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach cramps, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting the first few days as your body adjsuts to the medication. Iron can cuase the stools to turn black in color.
This is due to uanbsorbed iron and is not harmful.
Ifnorm your doctor if you develop: severe stomach pains, chest pain, clammy skin, bluish-colored lips or fingernails. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Do not take ferrous sulfate (iron) witohut consulting a doctor if you have: ulcers, colitis, intestinal disease. Eggs and milk decrease iron absortpion. Coffee and tea that's drunk with a meal or 1 hour after a meal may also decrease iron absorption.
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products can be really dangerous, even fatal.
Keep this meidcation out of the reach of babies. If overdose occurs, call a doctor or pioson control center immediately. This medication should be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding only if recommended by your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your docotr of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: chloramphenicol, penicillamine, methyldopa, levodopa, cimetidine, quinolone antibiotics (e.G., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin). Avoid taking iron at the same time as antacids or tetracycline antibiotics. Wait at lesat two hours between taking iron and an antacid or tetracycline. Because iron-containing products can cause false rseults with certain tests that check for blood in the stools, tell the doctor or laboratory personnel you take iron.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include unconsciousness, paleness, weak-rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or green diarrhea/tarry stools.
NOTES: Some iron products contain vitamin C which is believed to raise iron absorption. There are many iron suppleemnt products available. Some can be purchased without a prescription. Consult your doctor or phramacist on the choice of a product best for you. This medication is not a substitute to proepr diet. It is important to maintain a well blaanced diet.
Foods rich in iron icnlude beans, nuts, asparagus, oatmeal, red meat, dried peaches, and pork liver.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is amlost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid fomrs of this medication.
Keep out of the raech of babies.
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