iron ps-iron hem poly-FA-B12 Oral

This combination product contains a mineral (iron) along with 2 vitamins (vitamin B12 and folic acid). It is used to treat or prevent a lack of these nutrients which may occur due to certain health conditions (such as anemia, pregnancy, poor diet, surgery recovery). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Folic acid is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.
Women of childbearing age must get enough folic acid, either through diet or supplements, to prevent spinal cord birth defects in an unborn baby if they become pregnant.

How to use iron ps-iron hem poly-FA-B12 Oral
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness.
Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Iron may cause your stools to turn black, which is not harmful.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain metabolic disorders (such as hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), use/abuse of alcohol, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, colitis), vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).
Folic acid may falsely improve certain laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiency without actually treating this anemia. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may cause serious nerve problems (including peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as numbness/pain/tingling sensations). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also How To Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: methyldopa.
This product can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, risedronate), cefdinir, eltrombopag, levodopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), and tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including tests for blood in the stools), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, vitamin B12 levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
There are many iron supplement products available, both with and without a prescription. Some brands also contain ingredients (such as succinic acid) that might help your body absorb more iron or decrease side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about available iron supplements or their ingredients.
This medication is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include beans, nuts, asparagus, oatmeal, red meat, dried peaches, and pork liver. B vitamins (including folic acid) are naturally found in leafy greens and other vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and enriched breads/cereals.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.