Proferrin ES 12 mg tablet

Generic name:
Heme iron polypeptide - oral

Pronunciation
(heem EYE-urn POL-ee-PEP-tide)

Brand name(s)
Proferrin

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center. See also Overdose section.

This product is an iron supplement used to prevent or treat low levels of iron in the blood (such as those caused by anemia or pregnancy). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.

Take this product by mouth with or without food as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this product with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this product.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach and stomach/abdominal cramping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Iron may cause your stools to turn black, an effect that is not harmful.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor 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 product 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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 product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cow products; 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.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:

• an iron overload disorder (such as hemochromatosis)
• other types of anemia (such as hemolytic)
• repeated blood transfusions
• stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, colitis)

This product is made from the red blood cells of cows. If you prefer not to use products made from animal sources, consult your doctor about other iron-containing products.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this product.

Iron passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

Some drugs that may interact with this product include:

• antacids

Iron supplements can decrease the absorption of drugs such as tetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline, minocycline), penicillamine, bisphosphonates (such as alendronate), cefdinir, chloramphenicol, levothyroxine, levodopa, and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of iron. 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 product may interfere with certain lab tests (such as testing for blood in stool), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness.

Do not share this product with others.

This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include red meats (especially liver), fish, beans, dried fruit, and iron-fortified/enriched cereals and bread.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as iron levels, hematocrit/hemoglobin blood test) may be done while you are taking this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

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. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. 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.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.