Iron Liquid (Supplement)

What is this medication?

IRON (EYE ern) prevents and treats low levels of iron in your body. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ED-In-Sol, Fer-Gen-Sol, Fer-In-Sol, Fer-iron, Ferretts IPS, Iron, IRON UP, Niferex Elixir, NovaFerrum, Pedia Iron

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Bowel disease
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Hemolytic anemia
• Iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• Liver disease
• Stomach ulcer or other stomach problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before use. Use a special dropper or spoon to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may mix the solution in a glass of water or fruit juice and drink the liquid through a straw to decrease contact of the fluid with the teeth. You may take this medication with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Never give iron to a child or infant unless directed by a care team to do so. If you are giving the drops to an infant, you may mix the drops in a small amount of infant formula prior to bottle feeding.

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 medication?

If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medication or dietary supplement.

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alendronate
• Antacids
• Cefdinir
• Chloramphenicol
• Cholestyramine
• Deferoxamine
• Dimercaprol
• Etidronate
• Medications 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 medication?

Use iron supplements only as directed by your care team. You will need important blood work while you are taking this medication. 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 care team.

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.

Liquid iron preparations can cause temporary staining of the teeth. Mix in water or juice and drink through a straw to prevent staining. Stains on adult teeth can be reduced or removed by brushing the teeth with baking soda. Check with your care team regarding teeth stains in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dark stools
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. Even small amounts of iron can be harmful to a child.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.