Ferretts Iron

Ferretts Iron is a type of iron. You usually get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to your tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferretts Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a condition where there are not enough red blood cells because the body has too little iron).

Ferretts Iron may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take Ferretts Iron on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take with food if Ferretts Iron upsets your stomach.

You may need frequent medical tests.

You may need to follow a special diet while using Ferretts Iron. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.

Do not take this medicine for longer than 6 months without a doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use Ferretts Iron if you have iron overload syndrome or other red blood cell disorders.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of ferrous fumarate can be fatal to a child younger than 6 years old.

You should not use Ferretts Iron if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• iron overload syndrome; or
• hemolytic anemia.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Ferretts Iron is safe to use if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer;
• an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis; or
• blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give Ferretts Iron to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ferretts Iron can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe stomach pain;
• severe nausea or vomiting;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• blood or tarry stools; or
• bright red blood in your stools.

Common side effects of Ferretts Iron may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;
• stomach cramps;
• loss of appetite; or
• black or dark-colored stools or urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you have taken too much of Ferretts Iron, or if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of Ferretts Iron can be fatal to a child younger than 6 years old.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and loss of consciousness.

Avoid eating high-fiber foods at the same time you take your Ferretts Iron dose. High-fiber foods include whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran.

Avoid milk or other dairy products for at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Ferretts Iron.

Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.

Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or reduce how well the medications work. Ask your doctor how long to wait between taking your Ferretts Iron dose and other medicines you use, especially:

• an antacid or stomach acid reducer;
• an antibiotic;
• thyroid medication;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
• osteoporosis medication; or
• seizure medication.

Other drugs may impact Ferretts Iron, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.