You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to iron supplements, or if you have a condition called hemachromatosis (iron overload disease) or hemosiderosis (iron in the lungs), or any type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.
Uses:
Liquid Filled Capsule, Coated Tablet, Tablet, Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Capsule, Long Acting Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take the medicine with a full glass or water or fruit juice. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food.
The chewable tablet must be chewed or crushed before you swallow it.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
The oral liquid may stain your teeth. These stains can be prevented by mixing the medicine with water or other liquids (such as fruit juice, tomato juice), and drinking the medicine with a straw. To remove any iron stains, brush your teeth with baking soda or peroxide.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children, and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Do not take iron supplements by mouth if you are also receiving iron injections.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using phenytoin (Dilantin®), acetohydroxamic acid (Lithostat®), or antibiotics such as demeclocycline, doxycycline (Vibramycin®), Cipro®, Levaquin®, minocycline, moxifloxacin (Avelox®), Tequin®, or tetracycline.
Tell your doctor if you are using antacids (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®).
Avoid the following foods, or eat them in small amounts at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking your iron: eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, tea or coffee, whole-grain cereals, and breads.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have stomach or intestinal problems, an active infection, diabetes, porphyria, or other medical problems.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Iron may affect the results of certain medical tests.
Iron can cause your stools to be darker in color. This is normal and is not a cause for concern.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Bloody diarrhea
Bluish-colored lips, hands, or fingernails
Chest pain
Fever
Pale or clammy skin
Severe or continuing stomach cramps, vomiting (with or without blood)
Shallow breathing, weakness, weak but fast heartbeat
