Ferrous Fumarate 84 Tablets 210mg

What are Ferrous Fumarate Tablets 210mg?

A high-strength iron supplement used to prevent and treat iron-deficiency anaemia. They contain the form of iron called Ferrous Fumarate as opposed to Ferrous Sulphate. 

Iron is needed for the healthy function of red blood cells usually found in food. 

If you have too little iron in your diet it can cause tiredness, fatigue and shortness of breath.

You should only take this supplement if recommended by a health professional, as taking high doses can be dangerous for people who do not need them.

What are Ferrous Fumarate 210mg tablets used for?

Ferrous Fumarate 210mg tablets are clinically proven iron supplements used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is a vital mineral that your body needs to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around your body. When iron levels are too low, it can lead to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and lack of energy. For more comprehensive information on diagnosing and managing this condition, you can read the official NHS guide on Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

Some examples of when to take iron supplements:

• After donating blood
• When having abnormally long or heavy periods
• During pregnancy, a combination with folic acid may be more suitable
• After giving birth to a premature baby

How much elemental iron is in a 210mg Ferrous Fumarate tablet?

Each 210mg Ferrous Fumarate tablet contains approximately 68mg of elemental iron. "Elemental iron" refers to the actual amount of active iron that is available for your body to absorb into the bloodstream. By comparison, a standard 200mg tablet of Ferrous Sulphate contains slightly less, providing around 65mg of elemental iron.

What is the difference between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulphate?

Both medications are highly effective treatments for iron deficiency anaemia, but they use different chemical salts to deliver iron to your body. The main clinical differences are the amount of elemental iron they contain and how well they are tolerated by the stomach. Many patients find that Ferrous Fumarate is gentler on the digestive system and causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach cramps or nausea, compared to Ferrous Sulphate.

How long does it take for Ferrous Fumarate to work?

You may begin to notice an improvement in your energy levels and a reduction in fatigue within two to four weeks of starting treatment. However, even if you feel completely back to normal, you must continue taking the tablets. It typically takes three to six months of daily use to fully replenish your body's depleted iron reserves. Your GP will monitor your progress with routine blood tests to let you know when it is safe to stop.

Key Benefits of Ferrous Fumarate

• Provides 68mg of elemental iron per tablet
• Helps treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia
• Supports red blood cell formation and energy levels
• Suitable for adults and children over 12 years (as directed)
• Convenient once or twice daily dose

How to take Ferrous Fumarate

One tablet daily or as directed by your Health Professional. Consult your Health Professional prior to taking Ferrous Fumarate 210mg tablets. This product should not be given to children under 12 years. 

When is the best time to take Ferrous Fumarate?

For maximum absorption, the best time to take Ferrous Fumarate is on an empty stomach, either one hour before a meal or two hours after eating. Your stomach acid helps your body break down and absorb the iron most efficiently when there is no food present. However, if taking it on an empty stomach makes you feel nauseous, you can adjust your schedule to take it with or immediately after a light meal.

Should Ferrous Fumarate be taken with food?

Ideally, you should take Ferrous Fumarate without food. This is because certain compounds in everyday foods can bind to the iron in your gut, preventing your body from absorbing it. However, if taking the tablets on an empty stomach causes side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, or indigestion, taking them alongside a small meal is acceptable. It is clinically preferable to have slightly reduced iron absorption than to stop taking your prescribed medication altogether.

What foods, drinks or medicines should I avoid when taking Ferrous Fumarate?

You should avoid tea, coffee, milk, dairy products, eggs, and whole-grain cereals within two hours of taking your iron tablet. These items contain tannins, calcium, and phytates, which heavily restrict iron absorption.

Additionally, do not take antacids (indigestion remedies), calcium supplements, or multivitamins at the same time as your iron dose. If you are prescribed certain antibiotics (such as tetracycline or ciprofloxacin) or thyroid medications, you must space them at least two hours apart from your Ferrous Fumarate to prevent the treatments from interfering with each other.

Can I take Ferrous Fumarate with vitamin C?

Yes, taking Ferrous Fumarate alongside vitamin C is highly recommended. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) chemically assists the absorption of iron in your digestive tract. You can take your tablet with a glass of fresh orange juice or combine your dose with high-quality Vitamin C supplements to help your body process the iron more effectively.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ferrous Fumarate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is less than four hours away, skip the missed tablet and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one, as consuming too much iron at once can irritate your stomach lining and cause acute side effects.

Side effects of  Ferrous Fumarate

What are the most common side effects of Ferrous Fumarate?

The most common side effects of Ferrous Fumarate are digestive in nature. These include nausea, mild stomach discomfort, heartburn, a metallic taste in your mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhoea. These side effects are usually temporary and tend to ease as your body adapts to the medication. If the symptoms become severe or persistent, speak to your pharmacist or GP about adjusting your dosage.

Can Ferrous Fumarate cause constipation or black stools?

Yes, experiencing dark green or black-coloured stools is an extremely common, harmless, and expected side effect of taking oral iron. This discolouration is simply caused by unabsorbed iron passing safely through your digestive system and is nothing to worry about. Constipation is also a frequent side effect. To manage this, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, maintain a high-fibre diet, and keep active.

Can I take Ferrous Fumarate during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Ferrous Fumarate is safe and commonly prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding to help meet the extra iron demands of your growing baby. If you are pregnant, you should consult your doctor or midwife before starting any high-strength iron supplement to make sure it is balanced with your daily pregnancy supplements or Folic Acid Tablets.

Do not take Ferrous Fumarate 210mg tablets if you:

• You are allergic to ferrous fumarate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• 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.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ferrous Fumarate Tablets if:

• You have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer in the past, or have one which is now under control with treatment
• You have had major surgery to your stomach
• You have problems associated with narrowing of your intestine (stricture) or out pocketing of the inner layer of your intestine (diverticular disease).
• If any of these conditions apply to you, speak to your doctor before you take these tablets.
• Your doctor will want to watch you closely, and will advise you if any additional medicine is required to treat your condition.

Other medicines and Ferrous Fumarate Tablets:

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 Tablets 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
• 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 Tablets with food and drink:

Ferrous Fumarate Tablets 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 the effect of the tablets. Ferrous Fumarate Tablets should be taken with a glass of water.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

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

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the above description and patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for “MHRA yellowcard” in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.