ferrous fumarate + folic acid at a glance
Medicine class
An oral haematinic combining ferrous iron with folic acid.
Licensed role
Prevention of iron deficiency and megaloblastic anaemia during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Food and drink
Tea, coffee, milk and eggs can reduce iron absorption; food may lessen stomach upset.
Expected stool change
Dark stools are common and usually harmless.
What is ferrous fumarate + folic acid used for?
The selected product has a pregnancy-specific licence.
Prevention of iron deficiency and megaloblastic anaemia during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
It is not licensed to treat established megaloblastic anaemia.
How does ferrous fumarate + folic acid work?
Ferrous fumarate supplies iron needed to make oxygen-carrying haemoglobin. Folic acid is converted into active folate needed for DNA synthesis and normal red-blood-cell production.
ferrous fumarate + folic acid preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 322 mg + 0.35 mg
How to take ferrous fumarate + folic acid
Follow the prescription label and swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water. Food may reduce stomach upset, although tea, coffee, milk and eggs can reduce iron absorption.
Keep tablets in their original blister and out of children's reach.
Do not chew or crush them unless a pharmacist confirms this is appropriate.
Tell the prescriber about all medicines, vitamins, minerals and supplements.
ferrous fumarate + folic acid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Darkened stools
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Black tar-like or bloody stools with feeling unwell; seek urgent assessment rather than assuming this is an expected colour change
ferrous fumarate + folic acid in pregnancy
The selected product is licensed for prevention during the second and third trimesters; first-trimester use may be considered if necessary. Do not assume it replaces folic acid recommended before conception and in early pregnancy. Specialist advice is important with antiseizure medicines or other factors increasing folate requirements.
ferrous fumarate + folic acid while breastfeeding
Ferrous fumarate and folic acid can generally be used individually during breastfeeding, but transfer into milk and infant risk for the selected combination are uncertain. Ask a prescriber or pharmacist whether it is appropriate.
ferrous fumarate + folic acid interactions
Iron can reduce absorption of several medicines, while folic acid can affect some antiseizure treatments. A pharmacist can advise on separation, monitoring or alternatives.
Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Absorption of the antibiotic and iron may be reduced.
Levothyroxine
Iron can reduce absorption and affect thyroid control.
Common questions about ferrous fumarate + folic acid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for in pregnancy?
The selected product helps prevent iron deficiency and megaloblastic anaemia during later pregnancy.
Can it replace early-pregnancy folic acid?
Do not assume it can. Its preventive licence is for later pregnancy, while appropriate folic acid supplementation is recommended before conception and in early pregnancy.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.