ferrous fumarate Health Article

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

Ferrous fumarate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.

What is ferrous fumarate?

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferrous fumarate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Ferrous fumarate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferrous fumarate?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or food dyes, or if you have:

• iron overload syndrome;

• hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells);

• porphyria (an enzyme disorder that causes blue discoloration of the skin);

• thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells);

• liver or kidney disease;

• if you are an alcoholic; or

• if you receive regular blood transfusions.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ferrous fumarate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Do not give ferrous fumarate to a child without the advice of a doctor.