Icar

Icar is a product that replaces iron. You usually get iron from the foods you eat. Iron helps your body make red blood cells that carry oxygen to your tissues and organs.

Icar is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Icar 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. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Icar may be taken with food if it makes your stomach upset.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you need a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers that you are using Icar.

Do not take Icar for longer than 6 months without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron can be fatal to a child.

Keep Icar out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of carbonyl iron can be deadly to a child.

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

• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;
• hemochromatosis;
• hemolytic anemia; or
• anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you do not have an iron deficiency. Icar is generally not for use by people who have a normal iron balance.

Icar tablets may contain milk. Tell your doctor if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 without medical advice.

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

Common side effects of Icar may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• tooth discoloration; or
• dark-colored bowel movements.

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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much Icar can be deadly, especially for a child.

Signs of an overdose may include diarrhea, bloody or black stools, fever, vomiting, severe stomach pain, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, a weak but fast pulse, shallow breathing, and seizures (convulsions).

Do not take Icar within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other medicines. This medicine can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Icar if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• an antacid;
• an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, or tetracycline; or
• a stomach acid reducer such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), or ranitidine (Zantac).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with carbonyl iron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.