heme iron polypeptide/folic acid - oral, Proferrin-Forte

BRAND NAME(S): Proferrin-Forte

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

WARNING: This product contains iron which is a major cause of death due to poisoning in children less than 6 years old. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

If an overdose occurs, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately (see Overdose section).

USES: Heme iron polypeptide is a form of iron supplement. It is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count). Certain medical conditions may increase the risk of iron deficiency (e.g., pregnancy, certain types of surgery, chemotherapy, kidney failure).This medication is typically used in people who cannot absorb or tolerate regular iron products (e.g., ferrous sulfate).Folic acid is a B-vitamin used to treat certain anemias due to poor diet, pregnancy, and other conditions.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice daily with or without meals; or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication.The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any unusual effects, 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 medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to meat 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.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: iron metabolism disorders (such as hemochromatosis), other types of anemia (e.g., pernicious anemia).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 regarding other products that contain iron.This medication is safe to use during pregnancy when taken as directed by your doctor.It is not known whether the iron component of this medication passes into breast milk. However, folic acid does pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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 them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: antacids, other iron-containing products (e.g., multivitamins), phenytoin.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 can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., testing for blood in stools). Make sure laboratory personnel and 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: vomiting, severe stomach upset.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., vitamin B12 levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use 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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