Niferex is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Niferex is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.
Niferex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.
Niferex may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Niferex if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Who should not take Niferex?
Do not take Niferex if you have
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hemochromatosis,
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hemosiderosis, or
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hemolytic anemia.
Niferex may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.
If you do not have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor about the use of Niferex. Generally, iron polysaccharide should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.
Talk to your doctor before taking Niferex if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking iron polysaccharide if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Niferex?
Take Niferex exactly as directed by your doctor, or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each tablet with a full glass of water. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon to measure the dose. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Mix the liquid forms of iron polysaccharide with water, juice, or another beverage as directed and drink the mixture through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth.
Take Niferex on an empty stomach for best results. If stomach upset occurs, take Niferex with food or following a meal.
This medicine may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Niferex if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a iron polysaccharide overdose include decreased energy; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; tarry stools; a weak, rapid pulse; fever; coma; seizures; and death.
What should I avoid?
Keep Niferex out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.
This medicine may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking Niferex if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Niferex side effects
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Niferex and seek emergency medical attention.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking Niferex and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Niferex?
Do not take Niferex within 2 hours of a dose of any of the following medicines
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a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox), demeclocycline (Declomycin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
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a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan);
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levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);
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levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);
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methyldopa (Aldomet); or
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penicillamine (Cuprimine).
Iron polysaccharide may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.
Do not take antacids within 2 hours of a dose of Niferex. Antacids may decrease the absorption of iron polysaccharide.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Niferex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking iron polysaccharide.
