Ferrous fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup

This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to take Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup carefully to get the best results from it.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

1. What Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup
3. How to take Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup
6. Contents of the pack and other information

• You are allergic to ferrous fumarate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6), or to any other medicine containing iron
• You have noticed blood in your urine
• You suffer from any form of anaemia, other than iron deficiency anaemia, or from any other condition where your body’s iron is affected (your doctor will be able to advise you)
• You have bronze markings on your skin or you have been told that you have increased stores of iron in your tissues
• You are suffering from a recently diagnosed stomach or duodenal ulcer
• You are undergoing repeated blood transfusions
• You suffer from ulcerative colitis or any other inflammatory condition of the bowels.

Speak to your doctor if any of these apply to you before you take your medicine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup if:

• You suffer or have suffered from a peptic ulcer
• You have problems associated with narrowing of your intestine (stricture) or outpocketing of the inner layer of your intestine (diverticular disease)
• You have difficulty in absorbing certain sugars (glucose or galactose)
• You have had some or all of your stomach removed as this may make it difficult for you to absorb iron
• You have diabetes.

If any of these conditions apply to you, speak to your doctor before you take this medicine. Your doctor will want to watch you closely, and will advise you if any additional medicine is required to treat your condition.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines

The effects of any of these medicines or of Ferrous Fumarate Syrup 140mg/5ml Syrup may change, particularly if you are taking:

• Certain medicines for treating infections (e.g. chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin)
• Medicines containing zinc, calcium or magnesium salts
• Levothyroxine, used for thyroid gland problems
• Medicines used for a disease known as ‘Parkinson’s disease’ (e.g. levodopa, entacapone).
• Methyl dopa, used for increase in blood pressure
• Antacids used to treat indigestion
• Penicillamine used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Colestyramine used to reduce cholesterol and fats in the blood.
• Medicines for bone diseases (bisphosphonates)
• Trientine, used for high copper levels in blood
• Dimercaprol, used for various metal poisonings
• Mycophenolate, used during change of organs (transplant).

Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup may be taken with meals. This may help to relieve any stomach-related side effects. However, it is advisable not to take your medicine with tea, eggs or milk as this may reduce its effect.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup contains sodium metabisulphite and parahydroxybenzoates as preservatives.

Sodium metabisulphite may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.

Parahydroxybenzoates (methyl hydroxybenzoate, ethyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

This medicine contains less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per dose, (that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

This medicine also contains Sucrose and Glucose Liquid. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. Also, it May be harmful to the teeth.

Contact your nearest hospital casualty department or doctor immediately. Take any remaining medicine and this leaflet with you so that the medical staff know exactly what you have taken.

Your medicine is very dangerous if too much is taken by young children and care should be taken to keep the medicine safely out of the reach of children.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Take your dose as soon as you remember. Then go on as before. If it is almost time for the next dose, then do not take the missed dose at all.

If you are having no problems with Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup, do not stop taking it until your doctor tells you to.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

This medicine is for YOU. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

Ferrous Fumarate 140mg/5ml Syrup is a smooth brown suspension which separates on standing with an elderberry smell. It is packed in amber glass bottles containing 200ml suspension.