FERROUS FUMARATE
Ferrous fumarate is one of the standard oral iron salts. It supplies the iron the bone marrow needs to build haemoglobin, and it is often combined with folic acid in preparations used during pregnancy.
What Ferrous Fumarate Is Used For
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Low iron stores without full anaemia
- Iron supplementation in pregnancy and after delivery
- Iron loss from heavy periods or slow blood loss
Common Side Effects
- Black stools, which are expected and harmless
- Constipation or loose motions
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Metallic taste
Precautions
Absorption is best on an empty stomach with vitamin C or citrus juice, but if that upsets your stomach, taking it with a little food is better than stopping. Keep it two hours apart from tea, milk, calcium tablets, antacids and thyroid medicine. Treatment usually continues for around three months after the blood count is normal, to refill stores. Store iron well out of reach of children, as overdose is a serious emergency.
This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.
