ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ulcerative colitis, enteritis, stomach ulcers, or similar stomach problems.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child.

Symptoms of a ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide overdose may include nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, weak pulse, pale skin, blue lips, extreme weakness, fainting, or death.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

This medication contains two different types 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 fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ulcerative colitis, enteritis, stomach ulcers, or similar stomach problems.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

It is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

It is best to take this medication between meals or at bedtime. However, if the medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it just after a meal.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child.

Symptoms of a ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide overdose may include nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, weak pulse, pale skin, blue lips, extreme weakness, fainting, or death.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using this medication unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur such as:

• loss of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• heartburn;
• constipation;
• black-colored stools; or
• mild nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

There may be other drugs that can affect ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist has more information about ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide written for health professionals that you may read.

Ferrous fumarate, folic acid, and iron polysaccharide is available with a prescription under the brand name Tandem F. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Tandem F 162 mg/1 mg/115.2 mg--red and light brown capsule