Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid
About
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid belongs to a class of medications called 'haematinics' primarily used to treat anaemia (lack of blood) and folic acid deficiency that occurs mainly due to poor diet, poor absorption of food, or increased folate use in the body (in pregnancy). Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ferrous fumarate (iron supplement) and folic acid (a form of vitamin B9). Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid works by increasing red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (a protein) production in the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBCs are produced in the body so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen.
Take Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid as advised by your doctor. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain or a change in the colour of the stool. Most of these side effects of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid. If you have an allergy to any sugars, inform your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid as it may contain lactose. If you have a stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), pernicious anaemia (anaemia due to lack of vitamin B12) or folate-dependent tumour, inform your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Uses of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ferrous fumarate (iron supplement) and folic acid (a form of vitamin B9). Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid works by increasing red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (a protein) production in the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBC are produced in the body, so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen. Also, folic acid is necessary for pregnancy as it plays a role in the development of the brain and spinal cord in the unborn baby.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Change in colour of stool
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid. If you have an allergy to any sugars, inform your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid as it may contain lactose. If you have a stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), pernicious anaemia (anaemia due to lack of vitamin B12) or folate-dependent tumour, inform your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid may interact with anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, sodium valproate, carbamazepine), antibiotics (chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, trimethoprim), antimanic drug (lithium), water tablet (triamterene), anti-inflammatory drug (sulfasalazine), painkillers (aspirin), anticancer drug (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid intake of dairy products, coffee or tea with Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid at the same time as they may reduce the absorption of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have a stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), pernicious anaemia (anaemia due to lack of vitamin B12) or folate-dependent tumour, inform your doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid as it may decrease the absorption of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorFerrous Fumarate+folic Acid may be safe to use during pregnancy if recommended by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
not applicableFerrous Fumarate+folic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionFerrous Fumarate+folic Acid should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet, especially green leafy vegetables, and do regular physical exercise.
- Limit junk food items from the outside and stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals.
- Increase the intake of fruits in your diet especially fruits rich in iron like pomegranate, and citrus fruits.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol.
Special Advise
Avoid taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid along with dairy products, coffee, tea or alcohol as they may reduce the effectiveness of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anaemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements, and it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures. It makes you feel tired very quickly due to a lack of oxygen supply in the body. It is one of the most common blood disorders.
Folate deficiency: The deficiency of folic acid in the body is known as folate deficiency. It generally occurs when your diet does not have sufficient food that has more folic acid (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables). Folate deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to anaemia.
FAQs
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid contains Ferrous fumarate (iron supplement) and folic acid (a form of vitamin B9). Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid works by increasing red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (a protein) production in the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBCs are produced in the body so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen.
You are not recommended to take Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid with coffee, tea or dairy products at the same time as they may reduce the absorption of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid. However, you may drink coffee or tea 2 hours before or after taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
You are not recommended to take Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid with phenytoin as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the concentration of Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid in blood and increase the risk of seizures (fits). However, please consult a doctor before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid with phenytoin.
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is not recommended for hemochromatosis (excessive iron in the body) patients as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you have any iron overload conditions before taking Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid is essential to take during pregnancy to maintain correct levels of iron and folic acid and reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy before using Ferrous Fumarate+folic Acid.
