Ferrous Fumarate 210mg Tablets for Iron (84)

Product Summary

Iron is usually found in foods, and is necessary for the normal development of red blood cells.

Lack of iron affects the development of red blood cells and causes iron deficiency (anaemia).

Key Features

• Each film-coated tablet contains 210 mg of ferrous sulphate.
• This corresponds to approximately 69 mg of elemental iron.
• For anaemia.
• 84 tablets.

Who is this product suitable for?

This product is suitable for those who have a confirmed case of iron deficiency anaemia following a blood test, which requires a high dose of iron that is not available in general iron or multivitamin supplements.

This product should not be used routinely without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first, since too much iron can also be detrimental to health.

We advise that you have a follow-up blood test after a few months to see how your blood iron levels have stabilised, and to determine if you need to continue at this dose or go onto a lower maintenance dose with a general iron food supplement.

This product is only available at the pharmacy, as it is not used for more general iron supplementation for those who are not anaemic. This product should only be used after speaking to your healthcare practitioner, and for iron deficiency anaemia

What is ferrous fumarate?

• Iron is available in many salt forms such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulphate, or ferrous gluconate.
• Each tablet formulation of the above forms may have a different number of milligrams, but the most important thing is the amount of elemental iron you receive from each tablet.

Directions

• Adult: one tablet 3 times daily or as otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Ferrous fumarate tablets may be taken with meals. This may help to relieve any stomach-related side effects. However, it is advisable not to take your medicine with tea, eggs or milk, as this may reduce the impact of the tablet.
• Ferrous fumarate tablets should be taken with water.
• Taking iron with vitamin C or fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, or orange juice, helps better absorption of iron.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Ingredients

• Each tablet contains 210mg Ferrous Fumarate (equivalent to approximately 69mg elemental iron). Also contains E171 and E172.
• Other ingredients include Maize Starch, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Gelatin, Liquid Paraffin. The film coating of the tablet contains Hypromellose, Acetylated Monoglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Talc, Iron Oxide Yellow (E172) and Iron Oxide Red (E172).

Always read the instruction leaflet enclosed.

Warnings and Restrictions

Important Warning:

Contains iron.

• For use under advice from your healthcare professional only
• Keep out of the reach of the sight and reach of children, as an overdose may be fatal.
• Ferrous fumarate tablets are not suitable for use in children. Your medicine is very dangerous if taken by a young child.
• If you have to go to another doctor or hospital, please tell them you are taking ferrous fumarate tablets.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

How does ferrous fumarate treat iron deficiency anaemia?

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron supplement given in a particular form to treat iron deficiency anaemia. In this condition, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells because of a lack of enough iron. Iron is required to make haemoglobin, the substance of red blood cells that helps distribute oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, you might feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath.

Ferrous fumarate tablets contain a significant amount of iron (approximately 69 mg of elemental iron per tablet), which helps your body replenish its iron content in a short time. Within weeks or months of treatment, most people start to feel their energy levels are higher, they are more focused, and anaemia symptoms lessen. However, it's essential to have regular blood tests to ensure that your iron levels are improving and that you're not taking in too much iron, which can also be harmful.

What is the best way to take ferrous fumarate tablets?

Taking ferrous fumarate as directed allows your body to utilise the maximum amount of iron and get the optimum effect. Taking one tablet three times a day, spaced equally throughout the day, is the standard dose. You can take it with food if you have an upset stomach from iron, but some foods and drinks, such as tea, milk, or eggs, can delay iron absorption.

To boost the amount of iron the body absorbs, it is recommended to:

• Take the tablet with water.
• Take tea, coffee, milk, and foods high in calcium at least an hour before and after intake.
• Take a slice of a fruit rich in vitamin C, like an orange, a kiwi, or a small glass of orange juice, with your tablet. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron much better. If you miss a dose at any point, just take the next one on schedule — don't take two doses.

What are the side effects of ferrous fumarate tablets?

Ferrous fumarate is well-tolerated, as is the case with all drugs; it has side effects. The most common of these are:

• Discomfort in the stomach
• Nausea (being sick)
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Dark or black-coloured stools (which are harmless but could be surprising if you do not expect them)

To manage side effects:

• Taking the tablet with food can help reduce stomach discomfort, although less iron is absorbed.
• Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fibre can help prevent constipation.

If the side effects are just horrific, don't just quit taking the tablets — speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They may alter your dosage or recommend a different iron supplement.

If you experience severe symptoms like horrific pain in your tummy, vomiting blood, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling or struggling to breathe), seek assistance from a doctor immediately.

Can ferrous fumarate be used with other vitamins or medication?

Ferrous fumarate may interact with other drugs, so it is essential to check before combining treatments. For instance, iron supplements can alter how well your body absorbs antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline), thyroid medications, or certain epilepsy medications.

If you are on other vitamin supplements, do not use those containing extra iron unless your doctor has said it is okay. Having excessive iron in your system can be detrimental and cause serious problems, such as organ damage. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you are using, including herbal supplements, to avoid any adverse interactions.

To remain safe, space doses of ferrous fumarate and other medicines by at least two hours unless otherwise directed.

How long will I need to take ferrous fumarate?

Ferrous fumarate treatment usually lasts a few months. They typically get symptom-free within 2–4 weeks as their iron levels recover. Even when you feel better, it's essential to continue taking the tablets for as long as your doctor or pharmacist recommends.

This is because it can take time not only to reverse the anaemia but also to replenish your body's iron stores and prevent the condition from returning.

Usually, after about three months, your doctor will ask you to have another blood test to determine if your iron levels are high enough to stop the treatment or switch you to a lower, maintenance dose of iron.

Withdrawing prematurely can lead to anaemia recurring, and stopping and then restarting without consulting a physician can disrupt the body's chemistry.

Why is it not safe to take ferrous fumarate without seeing a doctor?

Ferrous fumarate is a potent medication with a high iron content. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it unless you have been told that you need it. Taking iron supplements when you don't need them may lead to iron overload, which leads to problems like:

• Liver damage
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Stomach bleeding

Young children are especially at risk — even an overdose as slight as this can prove fatal. That's why ferrous fumarates must be stored out of reach and sight from children at all times.

Always get a proper blood test taken before treatment commences, and under no circumstances pass on your tablets to others, even if they appear worn out or unwell.