Last updated on September 26, 2024
This medicine contains two active substances: ferrous fumarate and folic acid. Ferrous fumarate is a chemical form of iron and folic acid belongs to the B group of vitamins. The body needs both iron and folic acid for erythropoiesis. If there is not sufficient amount of these substances in the body, anaemia (low number of red blood cells) may develop. Iron deficiency anaemia can also develop during pregnancy, when the body’s iron and folic acid requirements have increased.
Uses and active ingredients
Ferretab comp. helps to replenish the body’s iron and folic acid reserves when the body doesn’t get
them sufficiently.
Ferretab comp. is used for iron and folic acid deficiency, including for iron deficiency anaemia during
pregnancy.
The active substances are ferrous (II) fumarate and folic acid. One capsule contains 152.10 mg of ferrous (II) fumarate (corresponds to 50 mg of bivalent iron) and 0.50 mg of folic acid. The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, polyacrylate dispersion 30% (contains nonoxynol 100), silica colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, azorubine (E 122), quinoline yellow (E 104), titanium dioxide (E 171), gelatin.
How to take Ferretab
The recommended dose is one capsule a day. In serious cases the daily dose may be increased to 1 capsule 2-3 times a day. In some patients the iron requirement may increase during pregnancy.
Method of administration
The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Take the capsules on empty stomach if possible.
Do not chew or suck the capsule as this may increase the side effects. Alternatively the capsule may be opened and capsule content mixed with soft, cool food, but it should not be chewed or sucked.
Treatment duration
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long you have to take the capsules. Treatment should be continued for at least 4 weeks after the iron and hemoglobin levels have normalized.
Storage. Do not store at a temperature higher than 25 °C. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Contents of the pack. The capsules are red-coloured. One hard capsule contains three reddish-brown ferrous fumarate minitablets and one yellow folic acid minitablet.
30 or 100 capsules in PVC/aluminium blister.
Side-effects, precautions and interactions
Do not take Ferretab
– If you are allergic to ferrous fumarate and folic acid or any of other ingredients of this medicine. Allergic reaction may manifest as rash, itching, breathing difficulty or oedema of face, lips, larynx or tongue.
– If you have anaemia not caused by iron or folic acid deficit.
– If there is high iron content in your body or you have a condition that completely prevents iron absorption.
– If you have metabolism disorders of blood pigment (haemoglobinopathy).
– If you have haemolytic anaemia, i.e. reduction of the number of red blood cells because of their breakdown.
– If you have aplastic anaemia, i.e. a condition when bone marrow does not produce sufficient amount of new blood cells.
– If you have pernicious anaemia, i.e. anaemia caused by the deficit of vitamin B12.
– If you have narrowing of oesophagus.
Warnings and precautions
– Before starting treatment with this medicine a blood test should be done to find out the cause of iron deficiency.
– During the use of Ferretab comp. stools may sometimes colour black, but this is not pathological.
– You should take the capsules for several weeks (at least 8-12 weeks) before the number of red blood cells recovers or iron deficiency is completely disappeared. Laboratory tests, including blood tests, may be done to you to verify recovery or to exclude side effects. You must visit your doctor.
Full information leaflet can be downloaded HERE > Ferretab Patient Information
