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This medication is a multivitamin product used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (such as those caused by anemia or pregnancy). Iron is an important mineral the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from the stomach. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell production, and nerve function. Intrinsic factor is identical to a substance that is made naturally in the stomach. It improves the absorption of vitamin B12.

Swallow this medication whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the long-acting product, do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Constipation, flushing, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Iron may cause your stools to turn black, which is not harmful.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: iron overload disorder (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis).

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, colitis), vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

See also How To Use section.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: chloramphenicol, methyldopa.

This product can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), levodopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), thyroid medications (for example, levothyroxine), and tetracycline antibiotics (for example, doxycycline, minocycline). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

If your brand of this product also contains folic acid, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take certain anti-seizure drugs (hydantoins such as phenytoin).

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., fecal occult blood tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, vitamin B12 levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

There are many iron supplement products available. Some can be purchased without a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This medication is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include red meats (especially liver), fish, beans, dried fruit, and iron-fortified/enriched cereals and bread.