Iron Capsules or Tablets (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): Auryxia, BeneHealth Ferrous Sulfate, Bifera, Duofer, EZFE, Feosol, Feosol Complete, Feosol Natural Release, Feratab, Ferate, Fergon, Ferretts, Ferrex 150, Ferrex-150, Ferric X-150, Ferrimin, Ferro-Sequels, Ferrocite, FerUS, Hemocyte, iFerex 150, Nephro-Fer, Niferex, NovaFerrum, Nu-Iron, Poly-Iron, ProFe, Proferrin ES, Slow Fe, Slow Iron, Tandem

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
• Problems with swallowing
• 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
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole. Take this medication in an upright or sitting position. Take this medication while standing or sitting. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take antacids at a different time of day that this medication. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children 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 medication?

• Antacids
• Certain antibiotics, such as cefdinir, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as antacids, famotidine, omeprazole
• Certain medications for weak bones, such as alendronate, etidronate, risedronate
• Cholestyramine
• 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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. It may take 3 to 6 months of treatment to treat low iron levels.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

You may need to eat more foods that contain iron. Talk to your care team. Foods that contain iron include whole grains or cereals, dried fruits, beans, peas, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats (liver, kidney).

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.