heme iron polypeptide - oral, Proferrin

BRAND NAME(S): Proferrin

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. See also Overdose section.

USES: This product is an iron supplement used to prevent or treat low levels of iron in the blood (e.g., due to anemia or during pregnancy). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth with or without food as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this product with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this product.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach and stomach/abdominal cramping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Iron may cause your stools to turn black, an effect that is not harmful.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cow products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This product should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: iron overload disorder (e.g., hemochromatosis).If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: other types of anemia (e.g., hemolytic), repeated blood transfusions, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, colitis).This product is made from the red blood cells of cows. If you prefer not to use products made from animal sources, consult your doctor about other iron-containing products.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this product.Iron passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist firstBefore using heme iron polypeptide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following products: antacids, methyldopa, other iron-containing products (e.g., multivitamins).Iron supplements can decrease the absorption of drugs such as tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline), penicillamine, bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), cefdinir, chloramphenicol, levothyroxine, levodopa, and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of iron. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.This product may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including testing for blood in stool), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include red meats (especially liver), fish, beans, dried fruit, and iron-fortified/enriched cereals and bread.Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. If your doctor has directed you to take this product, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., iron levels, hematocrit/hemoglobin blood test) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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