One of the main causes of fatal poisoning in kids under the age of six is accidental overdose of iron-containing items. Keep children away from this product at all times. Call your doctor or a poison control center right away if you accidentally overdose.

Anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) is treated or prevented with iron (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulfate) when the amount of iron obtained via food is insufficient. A dietary supplement for the mineral iron is available. Red blood cell production is aided by it, which is how it functions.

In addition to conventional, film-coated, and extended-release (long acting) tablets, capsules, and an oral liquid (drops and elixir), iron supplements (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulfate) are available for oral consumption. Once daily, with meals or just after a meal, or as prescribed by your doctor, iron should be taken. Take iron every day at about the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Administer iron as indicated. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

There are both standalone iron supplements and fixed-combinations with vitamins and specific drugs. You should be cautious not to take any additional supplements or medications that contain iron if your doctor has prescribed a prescription that does.

Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets, film-coated tablets, or extended release tablets; swallow them whole.

To prevent potential tooth stains, mix the elixir with water or fruit juice; do not combine with milk or a solution containing wine.

A unique dropper is provided with the iron drops to measure the dosage. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate how to use it. The drops can be ingested alone or combined with fruit juice, water, breastfeeding, cereal, or formula. A small amount will remain in the tip after carefully dosing into the mouth toward the inner cheek. If you are providing iron drops to a child, make sure the product is appropriate for a youngster of that age by carefully reading the package label. Children should not be given adult-only iron products.

Other prescriptions for this medication are possible. For more information, consult your physician or pharmacist.

Before taking an iron supplement,

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever had issues with iron products, including ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulfate, as well as any other medications or substances in iron preparations. Get the components list from your doctor or pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Certain antibiotics, including doxycycline, minocycline (Dynacin, Minolira, Solodyn, Ximino), and tetracycline, should be taken two hours before or two hours after iron supplements.
• If you have a specific blood disorder, such as hemolytic anemia (a condition where there are unusually few red blood cells), let your doctor know. Most likely, your doctor will advise against taking an iron supplement.
• If you have or have ever had ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, let your doctor know.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking an iron supplement.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Supplemental iron may have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Tooth stains

Other negative effects from iron supplementation are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. It should not be kept in the bathroom. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excessive heat, and moisture.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning.http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilizing a medicine take-back program is the best way to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programs in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back program, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. In order to determine how you react to iron, your doctor may perform specific lab tests.

If you have any inquiries concerning iron supplements, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.