Ferro-Bob Side Effects

Generic name: ferrous sulfate

Note: This document contains side effect information about ferrous sulfate. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ferro-Bob.

Some side effects of Ferro-Bob may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to ferrous sulfate: oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release tablet, oral elixir, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking ferrous sulfate (the active ingredient contained in Ferro-Bob) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects of ferrous sulfate may include:

• constipation;

• upset stomach;

• black or dark-colored stools; or

• temporary staining of the teeth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ferrous sulfate: compounding powder, oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release tablet, oral elixir, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects are generally dose-related and have included nausea, constipation, anorexia, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, stools may appear darker in color in patients taking ferrous sulfate (the active ingredient contained in Ferro-Bob)

Oral preparations of ferrous sulfate may rarely cause Hemoccult-positive stools, patients with positive tests generally require further work-up.

Gastrointestinal side effects are dose-related with approximately 25% of patients experiencing side effects at a dosage of 325 mg three times a day.

Gastrointestinal discomfort may be minimized by initiating ferrous sulfate therapy at smaller doses and gradually titrating upwards until the desired dose is achieved.

Administering each dose with food may also minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. However, concurrent administration of ferrous sulfate with food may decrease the amount of iron absorbed.

Due to the small amount of iron released and absorbed, the use of enteric-coated or delayed release ferrous sulfate preparations may reduce gastrointestinal side effects; however, these products are not recommended for use.

Constipation may be relieved by administering docusate sodium 100 mg to 200 mg per day in addition to increasing the intake of oral fluids, such as water.

Other

Other side effects have included stained teeth and iron overload (hemosiderosis). Secondary hemochromatosis due to prolonged iron ingestion has been reported rarely.

Stained teeth have primarily occurred following ingestion of ferrous sulfate liquid preparation. Liquid dosage forms should be diluted in juice or water and sipped through a straw to aid in prevention of staining.

Iron overload (i.e., hemosiderosis) has been reported in patients genetically predisposed, or have underlying disorders, that augment the absorption of iron. It has also occurred following administration of excessive parenteral iron therapy, combination of oral and parenteral iron, or in patients with hemoglobinopathies that were erroneously diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia. Hemosiderosis is treated with repeated phlebotomy or long-term administration of deferoxamine. The liver is particularly susceptible to toxicity in iron-overload states.

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have rarely included gastroenteritis associated with Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes in patients with iron overload status receiving treatment with deferoxamine.

It has been hypothesized that gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria that become virulent in the presence of iron overload resulting in a systemic infection. Treatment consists of discontinuing deferoxamine and initiating appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Local

Local side effects have included gangrene.

Localized corrosion has been reported in a pregnant woman taking ferrous sulfate (tablet) that lodged in a Meckels diverticulum.

There have also been reports of wax-matrix ferrous sulfate tablets (delayed-release) lodging in the bowels of patients with strictures.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included decreased absorption of thyroxine (T4).

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