Ferric maltol

Generic name: ferric maltol [ FER-ik-MAL-tol ]
Brand name: Accrufer
Dosage form: oral capsule (30 mg)
Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 29, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ferric maltol?

Ferric maltol is an iron replacement product that is used in adults used to treat iron deficiency.

Ferric maltol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ferric maltol side effects

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

Stop taking ferric maltol and call your doctor at once if you have inflammatory bowel disease and you have a flare of symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, blood in your stools, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

Common side effects of ferric maltol may include:

• stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• changes in the color of your bowel movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ferric maltol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• hemochromatosis or iron overload (the buildup of excess iron); or

• if you have repeated blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had inflammatory bowel disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ferric maltol is absorbed in a way that is not likely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Having untreated iron deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of anemia (low red blood cells), premature birth, or low birth weight. The benefit of treating iron deficiency with ferric maltol may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Ferric maltol is not likely to pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor about using ferric maltol if you are breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take ferric maltol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Ferric maltol is usually taken for 12 weeks.

You may need medical tests to help determine how long you should use ferric maltol.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ferric maltol dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency:

30 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
Duration of therapy:

Comments:
-Treatment duration depends on the severity of iron deficiency but generally at least 12 weeks of therapy are required.
-Continue treatment until ferritin levels are within normal range.

Use: Iron deficiency

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold or clammy skin, confusion, agitation, feeling light-headed, rapid breathing, or irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking ferric maltol?

Do not take dimercaprol or iron supplements or a vitamin/mineral supplement that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.

What other drugs will affect ferric maltol?

Taking ferric maltol at the same time with other oral medications can interfere with how your body absorbs each drug. Take your ferric maltol dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking any other medications by mouth.

Other drugs may affect ferric maltol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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