What are some of the precautions when taking Iron Supplements?

Precautions

General:  Do not exceed recommended dose. The type of anemia and the underlying cause or causes should be determined before starting therapy, which is easily achieved with simple blood tests. Since the anemia may be a result of a systemic disturbance, such as recurrent blood loss, the underlying cause or causes should be addressed and corrected.

Folic Acid:  Hemax™ contains 1700 mcg DFE of Folate (as L- methyltetrahydrofolate). Although folic acid in doses above 1.0 mg daily may obscure B12 dependent pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurological manifestations remain progressive, this product contains vitamin B12. Therefore, the potential for folic acid to mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia is to be minimal.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been clearly established. Therefore, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies on this product have not been performed of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether elderly subjects respond differently from younger subjects. Therefore, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious.

Adverse Reactions: Adverse reactions with both oral and parenteral iron therapy may include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dark stools and abdominal pain. Allergic sensitization has been reported following both oral and parenteral administration of folic acid. Report any severe adverse events to us immediately.

Over-Dosage: The clinical course of acute iron over-dosage can be variable. Initial symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tarry stools, melena, hematemesis, hypotension, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, dehydration, drowsiness, pallor, cyanosis, lassitude, seizures, shock, and coma. Seek medical care immediately.

Contraindications:  This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients contained in Hemax™. Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis are contraindications to iron therapy.