Poly-Iron 150 Forte

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.

This product can decrease the absorption of certain drugs, especially if you take them around the same time. These drugs include bisphosphonates (such as alendronate), levodopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), among others. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses of this product and your other medications and to find a dosing schedule that works for all your medications.

This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such as tests for blood in the stools), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.

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.

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 at least 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.

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.

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 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.

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 lab 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 breastfeeding.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, vitamin B12 levels) may be done while you are taking this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. 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.

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.