Fergon

Generic name: Ferrous Gluconate
Drug class: Iron products

Usage of Fergon

Fergon is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Fergon is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Fergon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fergon side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, blistering or peeling skin; fever; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fergon may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

bright red blood in your stools;

black or tarry stools;

a fever;

stomach pain;

coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a Fergon tablet.

Common side effects of Fergon may include:

constipation, diarrhea;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

loss of appetite;

green-colored stools; or

temporary staining of the teeth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Fergon

You should not use Fergon if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis); or

hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells).

To make sure Fergon is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

ulcerative colitis;

stomach ulcers or similar stomach problems;

thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells); or

if you receive regular blood transfusions.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Fergon is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Fergon

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Fergon on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Fergon may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

Take Fergon with a full glass of water or juice.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Fergon can stain your teeth, but this effect is temporary. To prevent tooth staining, mix the liquid form of Ferrous gluconate with water or fruit juice (not with milk) and drink the mixture through a straw. You may also clean your teeth with baking soda once per week to treat any tooth staining.

Fergon may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron in your diet.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

You should not use Fergon if you have hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or hemolytic anemia.

What other drugs will affect Fergon

Other drugs may interact with ferrous gluconate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.