Iropas Tablet 400/2.5mg Tablets

Iron protein succinylate with folic acid combines two ingredients that help the body make healthy red blood cells.

• Iron protein succinylate is a form of iron bound to a milk-derived protein. It replaces iron in people with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia.
• Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for red blood cells. It also supports a baby's brain and spine development.

They are combined when both iron and folic acid are needed, for example during pregnancy.

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• It is best taken a few hours before meals. Liquid can be taken straight from the vial or mixed with water.
• Leave at least 2 hours between doses and milk, tea, coffee or antacids. Fresh citrus juice may help iron absorption.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then carry on as usual. Do not take a double dose.
• Keep taking it as long as advised, even when you feel better.

Possible side effects include:

• tummy pain, feeling sick, bloating or wind
• constipation or diarrhoea
• loss of appetite
• dark green or black poo, which is harmless

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• taken too much, or a child has swallowed it

Do not take it if you are allergic to any ingredient or to milk proteins, have iron overload (such as haemochromatosis), or have anaemia not caused by lack of iron.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia (folic acid alone should not be used for these)
• have cancer or a coronary stent
• take epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol, sulfasalazine, lithium or regular aspirin
• take stomach-acid medicines, tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, thyroxine, levodopa, methyldopa, penicillamine or bisphosphonates
• have fructose intolerance (some products contain sorbitol)

Do not store above 30°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: both iron protein succinylate and folic acid are used in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first.

Alcohol: avoid or limit alcohol, as it can reduce how well folic acid works.

Tests: it may affect tests for hidden blood in poo.