Ferrous Fumarate



Femiron®[OTC]; Feostat®[OTC] [DSC]; Ferretts [OTC]; Ferro-Sequels®[OTC]; Hemocyte®[OTC]; Ircon®[OTC]; Nephro-Fer®[OTC]







Ferrous Fumarate

(FER us FYOO ma rate)

U.S. Brand Names
Femiron®[OTC]; Feostat®[OTC] [DSC]; Ferretts [OTC]; Ferro-Sequels®[OTC]; Hemocyte®[OTC]; Ircon®[OTC]; Nephro-Fer®[OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Palafer®
Mexican Brand Names
Ferval®
Pharmacologic Category
Iron Salt
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ferrous fumarate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia from a cause other than low iron stores, too much iron in your body, or thalassemia.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat anemia caused by low iron stores.
  • Iron is usually recommended during pregnancy to prevent anemia.
How does it work?
  • Iron plays an important role in taking oxygen and transporting it to where it is needed in the body. Iron is taken into the red blood cells and made into hemoglobin. Hemoglobin actually carries the oxygen around in the body.
  • Low iron stores can be caused by a diet lacking in iron, poor absorption of iron from the small intestines, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or blood loss.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after bran, fiber supplements, tea, coffee, dairy products, or eggs.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.
  • Mix liquid with water or juice and drink through a straw to decrease stains on teeth. Rinse mouth.
  • Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take calcium, zinc, copper supplement, or multivitamins containing any of these minerals within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Do not take tetracycline within 4 hours of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Black stools.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe constipation.
  • If a child eats your tablets. Accidental poisonings with iron occur most often in children. Initial signs of overdose include feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, dark tarry-black stool, and weak or fast heartbeat.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: