Ferrous fumarate and folic acid

Generic name: ferrous fumarate and folic acid [ FER-us-FUE-ma-rate-and-FOE-lik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Hematinic with Folic Acid, Hemocyte-F, Ed Cyte F, Nephro-Fer RX, Equi-Cyte F, Ircon-FA, Ferrocite F
Dosage form: oral tablet (324 mg-1 mg)
Drug classes: Iron products, Vitamin and mineral combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. Folic acid (folate) is a type of vitamin B. Iron and vitamin B help your body produce and maintain healthy red blood cells.

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent certain types of anemia (low red blood cells) caused by an iron or folate deficiency.

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid side effects

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

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or vomiting;

• cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• fever; or

• bloody or tarry stools.

Common side effects of ferrous fumarate and folic acid may include:

• heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• a change in the color of your stools.

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.

Warnings

Seek emergency medical attention if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ferrous fumarate and folic acid if you are allergic to ferrous fumarate or folic acid, or if you have:

• iron overload syndrome;

• pernicious anemia (caused by a lack of vitamin B12); or

• hemolytic anemia (a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed in the body faster than new ones can be produced).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a vitamin B12 deficiency;

• thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells); or

• a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may need special tests before using this medicine during pregnancy.

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

How should I take ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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

Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet.

You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

You may need to follow a special diet while using ferrous fumarate and folic acid. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Related/similar drugs

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Certain foods can make it harder for your body to absorb ferrous fumarate and folic acid. For at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine:

• Avoid drinking coffee or tea.

• Avoid dairy products (such as milk, cheese, or yogurt).

• Avoid eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or "fortified" breads or cereals.

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

What other drugs will affect ferrous fumarate and folic acid?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. If you take any of the following medicines, take them separately (2 to 4 hours apart) from your dose of ferrous fumarate and folic acid:

• an antacid; or

• an antibiotic.

Other drugs may affect ferrous fumarate and folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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