Iron and Folic Acid

Generic name: Iron and Folic Acid [ EYE-urn-& FOE-lik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Ferrocite F, Hemocyte-F
Drug classes: Iron products, Vitamin and mineral combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

Uses of Iron and Folic Acid:

• It is used to treat or prevent low iron in the body.
• It is used to treat low folate levels.
• It is used to help growth and good health.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Iron and Folic Acid?

• If you have an allergy to any part of iron and folic acid.
• If you are allergic to iron and folic acid; any part of iron and folic acid; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have too much iron in your body.
• If you have certain types of anemia like pernicious anemia or hemolytic anemia.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with iron and folic acid.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take iron and folic acid with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Iron and Folic Acid?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take iron and folic acid. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take iron and folic acid.
• If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using iron and folic acid while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Iron and Folic Acid) best taken?

Use iron and folic acid as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• This medicine works better if you take it on an empty stomach. You may take iron and folic acid with food if it causes an upset stomach. Some foods like eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may make iron and folic acid not work as well. If iron and folic acid causes an upset stomach, talk with your doctor about the best way to take iron and folic acid with food.
• This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than iron and folic acid.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.

Related/similar drugs

ferrous sulfate, FeroSul, Venofer, Auryxia, Infed, ferrous fumarate/folic acid

What are some other side effects of Iron and Folic Acid?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Constipation.
• Change in color of stools.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain or heartburn.
• Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Iron and Folic Acid?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about iron and folic acid, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer