Ferrous Sulfate (FEOSOL) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Precautions Before Starting Ferrous Sulfate (FEOSOL)

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ferrous sulfate, other high potency iron supplements like ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ferrous sulfate iron tablets such as titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, or polyethylene glycol, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients in a high potency iron supplement.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Ferrous sulfate may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as hemolytic anemia, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast feeding.

Precautions During Use of Ferrous Sulfate (FEOSOL)

Keep all your healthcare appointments while taking iron tablets. Doctors may order blood tests to check your iron levels and response to the treatment and to monitor you for side effects. 

If you are taking certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, penicillin, or ciprofloxacin, take them at least two hours away from your iron supplement because iron can interfere with the absorption of these medicines.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking iron supplement tablets.

Ferrous Sulfate (FEOSOL) Drug Interactions

Ferrous sulfate can interact with certain medications and affect how they work. Some medications can affect iron absorption. Possible interactions between ferrous sulfate and other drugs can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.

The following medications may have interactions with ferrous sulfate:

• Antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, penicillin, and ciprofloxacin.
• Parkinson’s disease medications.
• Anti-seizure drugs.
• Medications that reduce stomach acid.

The above list may not include all possible interactions of ferrous sulfate. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC (non-prescription) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with dietary supplements and prescription medications.