0

Home > Drug Category > Iron Supplements > Palafer and Equivalent

Palafer Information

Palafer (Ferrous Fumarate) is used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. This condition occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce sufficient hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is used in individuals with low iron intake, poor iron absorption, increased iron needs (like during pregnancy), or iron loss due to blood loss. Iron supplements like Ferrous Fumarate replenish the body’s iron stores, which are then used to produce hemoglobin and other essential iron-containing proteins.

Palafer Side Effects

The most common side effects of Palafer may include constipation, darker stools, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and loss of appetite. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Bloody stools;
• Severe nausea or vomiting;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Vomiting blood

Palafer Precautions

Do not use Palafer if you are allergic to Ferrous Fumarate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, stomach ulcer, intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, repeated blood transfusions, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Palafer and other medications, such as antacids, risedronate, levothyroxine, levodopa, calcium supplements, etc. Antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum hydroxide can affect the absorption of Ferrous Fumarate. Separate the doses by about 2 to 4 hours. Do not take dairy products at the same time as taking Palafer. Separate the doses by 2 hours, as the calcium can interfere with the absorption of Palafer. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Palafer. This medicine should be used in pregnancy only when needed. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Palafer. Ferrous Fumarate passes into breastmilk but is generally considered safe to use when breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor to be sure it is appropriate for your situation. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor. Dosage in children is based on age and weight.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Palafer comes as a capsule. Swallow the capsule by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Taking Palafer on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, is best. However, if stomach upset occurs, you can take the medicine with food. Be consistent with how you take it. Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the capsule. Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body. You may need to follow a special diet as advised by your doctor or dietitian to enhance iron absorption. Do not take this medicine for longer than 6 months without a doctor's advice. Store Palafer at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Palafer?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Palafer.