• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

IRON replaces iron that is essential to healthy red blood cells. Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Anemia may cause problems like tiredness, shortness of breath, or slowed growth in children. Only take iron if your doctor has told you to. Do not treat yourself with iron if you are feeling tired. Most healthy people get enough iron in their diets, particularly if they eat cereals, meat, poultry, and fish. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcohol
• bowel disease
• hemolytic anemia
• iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• liver disease
• problems with swallowing
• stomach ulcer or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water or fruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. Take this medicine in an upright or sitting position. Try to take any bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. You may take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medicine or dietary supplement. This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alendronate
• antacids
• cefdinir
• chloramphenicol
• cholestyramine
• deferoxamine
• dimercaprol
• etidronate
• medicines for stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
• pancreatic enzymes
• quinolone antibiotics (examples: Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin, Tequin and others)
• risedronate
• tetracycline antibiotics (examples: doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, and others)
• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Use iron supplements only as directed by your health care professional. You will need important blood work while you are taking this medicine. It may take 3 to 6 months of therapy to treat low iron levels. Pregnant women should follow the dose and length of iron treatment as directed by their doctors. Do not use iron longer than prescribed, and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Long-term use may cause excess iron to build-up in the body. Do not take iron with antacids. If you need to take an antacid, take it 2 hours after a dose of iron.