Polysaccharide-Iron Complex oral elixir

What is this medicine?

POLYSACCHARIDE-IRON COMPLEX (pol ee SAK uh rahyd - ahy ern KOM pleks) is an iron supplement. This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by low iron levels.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a special dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. It is best to take iron on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. If this medicine causes stomach upset, you may take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blue lips, nails, or palms

• drowsiness

• pale or clammy skin

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach pain

• vomiting

• weak, fast, or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• indigestion

• nausea or stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• deferoxamine

• dimercaprol

• iron dextran

• other iron supplements

• sodium ferric gluconate complex

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antacids

• certain antibiotics

• levodopa

• medicines for osteoporosis like alendronate, etidronate, risedronate and tiludronate

• medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole

• methyldopa

• mycophenolate

• penicillamine

• thyroid hormones

• zinc

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• hemolytic anemia

• iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)

• liver disease

• stomach or bowel disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You should only use this medicine under the supervision of your health care professional. If you are told by your health care provider that you need iron supplements, you should visit your health care professional for regular blood checks. Do not use this medicine longer than prescribed, and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Long-term use may cause excess iron to build-up in the body.

This medicine can cause temporary staining of the teeth. Mix in water and drink through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth. Stains can be reduced or removed by brushing the teeth with baking soda.

Do not take this medicine with dairy products or antacids. If you need to take an antacid, take it 2 hours after a dose of iron.