Polysaccharide-Iron Complex Capsules or Tablets (Supplement)

What is this medication?

POLYSACCHARIDE-IRON COMPLEX (pol i SAK a ride EYE ern KOM pleks) prevents and treats low levels of iron in your body. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Hemolytic anemia
• Iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• Liver disease
• Stomach or bowel disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take iron on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. If this medication causes stomach upset, you may take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Deferoxamine
• Dimercaprol
• Iron dextran
• Other iron supplements
• Sodium ferric gluconate complex

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids
• Certain antibiotics
• Levodopa
• Medications for osteoporosis, such as alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, or tiludronate
• Medications for stomach problems, such as cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, or lansoprazole
• Methyldopa
• Mycophenolate
• Penicillamine
• Thyroid hormones
• Zinc

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

You should only use this medication under the supervision of your care team. If you are told by your care team that you need iron supplements, you should visit your care team for regular blood checks. Do not use this medication longer than prescribed, and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Long-term use may cause excess iron to build-up in the body.

This medication can cause temporary staining of the teeth. Mix in water and drink through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth. Stains can be reduced or removed by brushing the teeth with baking soda.

Do not take this medication with dairy products or antacids. If you need to take an antacid, take it 2 hours after a dose of iron.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dark stools
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.