This medicine is a mineral used to supplement iron in the diet and prevent or treat low levels of iron in the blood. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor or on the package. SWALLOW THIS MEDICINE WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. THIS MEDICINE IS ABSORBED BETTER ON AN EMPTY STOMACH, but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Some foods (eg, eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, tea) may decrease the amount of iron absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor about the best way to take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. IF YOU TAKE AN ANTACID, a bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate), cefdinir, eltrombopag, methyldopa, penicillamine, a quinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin), or a tetracycline antibiotic (eg, minocycline), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS OF WATER (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of products that contain iron is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Keep this product out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking doxycycline, mycophenolate, penicillamine, or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including stomach or bowel problems (eg, colitis, Crohn disease, diverticulitis, ulcers); hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, or other types of anemia; a condition that may cause anemia (eg, sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase / G6PD deficiency); blood problems (eg, porphyria, thalassemia); allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have had multiple blood transfusions. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain iron metabolism problems (eg, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis) or high levels of iron in your blood. Use of this medicine in CHILDREN under age 12 is not recommended without first checking with the child's doctor. Discuss with the doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation; darkened or green stools; diarrhea; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach cramps, pain, or upset; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry stools; blood or streaks of blood in the stool; fever; severe or persistent nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include black, tarry stools; blood or streaks of blood in the stool; bluish skin or nails; changes in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; coma; dizziness; dry mouth or eyes; fainting; fast or difficult breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; flushing; increased thirst or hunger; seizures; severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; severe or unusual tiredness or drowsiness; shortness of breath; sluggishness; unusually pale skin; or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.