ferrous sulfate and folic acid Health Article

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

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid 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 and folic acid from both your diet and your medication.

What is ferrous sulfate and folic acid?

Ferrous sulfate 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.

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.

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

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking ferrous sulfate and folic acid?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, 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);

• if you are an alcoholic; or

• if you receive regular blood transfusions.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ferrous sulfate and folic acid.