Fefan DS 300/5mg Tablets

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid together help the body make healthy red blood cells.

• Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron. It treats and prevents iron deficiency anaemia.
• Folic acid is a man-made form of vitamin B9 (folate). It treats folate deficiency anaemia and supports a baby's brain and spine development in pregnancy.

They are combined because low iron and low folate often happen together, especially during pregnancy.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Swallow it with water at the same time each day.
• It can be taken on an empty stomach, but taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach.
• Tea, milk and eggs can reduce how well iron is absorbed, so avoid them around the time of your dose.
• Keep it apart from antacids, calcium, zinc or magnesium products, and some antibiotics, as advised by your pharmacist.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• constipation or diarrhoea
• tummy pain, heartburn or feeling sick
• darker than usual poo (this is harmless)
• bloating, wind or loss of appetite

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash, or trouble breathing (emergency)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have anaemia not caused by low iron, or vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia)
• have sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, iron overload or regular blood transfusions
• have a stomach ulcer or bowel problems
• take levothyroxine, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, epilepsy medicines, sulfasalazine or lithium

Store as the pack directs and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Danger to children: iron overdose is very dangerous for children, even in small amounts. If a child swallows any, get emergency help straight away.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: usually suitable, but check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Blood tests: your doctor may check your iron levels after a few weeks.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it can reduce how well folic acid works.