Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide

Generic name: ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide [ FER-us-FUE-ma-rate-and-I-urn-POL-ee-SAK-a-ride ]
Brand name: Tandem
Drug class: Iron products

What is ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide?

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide are 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.

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide is a combination medicine used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not use ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide if you have hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or hemolytic anemia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide if you are allergic to it, or if you have

iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis); or
hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells).

To make sure ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

ulcerative colitis;
stomach ulcers or similar stomach problems; or
a history of a gastrectomy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you become pregnant during treatment. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing.

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

How should I take ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

It is best to take ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide on an empty stomach, between meals or at bedtime.

Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child who has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms may include metallic taste in the mouth, bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, loss of consciousness, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide?

Iron is contained in many vitamin or mineral supplements. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much iron. Avoid taking any vitamin or mineral supplement your doctor has not recommended.

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide side effects

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.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite;
diarrhea, constipation; or
black or dark colored stools.

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.

Ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

1 capsule orally once a day between meals

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

< 12 years: not recommended
>= 12 years: 1 capsule orally once a day between meals

What other drugs will affect ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide?

Other drugs may interact with ferrous fumarate and iron polysaccharide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about ferrous fumarate/iron polysaccharide

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