Euro-Fer

used to treat or prevent a lack of these nutrients which may occur in certain health conditions (e.g., anemia, pregnancy, poor diet, surgery recovery). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from the stomach. Vitamin B12 is important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Folic acid is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.

Women of childbearing age should maintain adequate amounts of folic acid either through diet or supplements to prevent spinal cord birth defects.

Euro-Fer is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Euro-Fer is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Euro-Fer may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet,

Oral:

Ferretts: 325 mg (106 mg elemental iron) [scored]

Ferrimin 150: Elemental iron 150 mg

Hemocyte: 324 mg (106 mg elemental iron)

Generic: 324 mg (106 mg elemental iron), Elemental iron 29 mg

Dosing: Adult

Note: Immediate-release oral iron products are preferred for treatment of iron deficiency anemia; enteric coated and slow/sustained release preparations are not desired due to poor absorption (Hershko 2014; Liu 2012). Doses expressed in terms of elemental iron; Euro-Fer contains 33% elemental iron.

Iron-deficiency anemia, prevention (in areas where anemia prevalence is ≥40%) (off-label use):

Oral: Menstruating women (nonpregnant females of reproductive potential)

Iron-deficiency anemia, treatment:

Oral: 65 to 200 mg elemental iron/day (Liu 2012; Schrier 2019; Stoltzfus 1998; WHO 2001); may administer in up to 3 divided doses. Note: Alternate-day dosing (eg, every other day or Monday, Wednesday, Friday) has been shown to result in greater absorption of iron; some experts recommend this dosing schedule in patients who can maintain adherence (Schrier 2019; Stoffel 2017).

Dosing: Geriatric

Lower doses (15 to 50 mg elemental iron/day) may have similar efficacy and less GI adverse events (eg, nausea, constipation) as compared to higher doses (eg, 150 mg elemental iron/day) (Rimon 2005).

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: Doses expressed as elemental iron. Euro-Fer contains 33% elemental iron.

Iron deficiency, prevention in areas where anemia prevalence is >40%:

Oral:

Infants ≥6 months and Children <2 years: 10 to 12.5 mg daily for 3 consecutive months in a year (WHO 2016b)

Children 2 years to <5 years: 30 mg daily for 3 consecutive months in a year (WHO 2016b)

Children ≥5 to 12 years: 30 to 60 mg daily for 3 consecutive months in a year (WHO 2016b)

Adolescent menstruating females (non-pregnant females of reproductive potential): 30 to 60 mg daily for 3 consecutive months in a year (WHO 2016a)

Iron deficiency, treatment:

Oral: Children and Adolescents: 3 to 6 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses; suggested maximum daily dose: 200 mg/day (ASPEN Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum [Corkins 2015]; Kliegman 2016)

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Euro-Fer?

do not use if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Euro-Fer/Folic Acid/B Complex/Vitamin C/Minerals

* you have iron metabolism problems (eg, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis), certain types of anemia (pernicious, hemolytic), or high levels of iron in your blood

* you have coppermetabolism problems (Wilson disease)

Use Euro-Fer suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Euro-Fer suspension is absorbed better on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Shake well before using a dose.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• If you are also taking a bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate), cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin), methyldopa, penicillamine, quinolone (eg, ciprofloxacin), or tetracycline (eg, minocycline) along with Euro-Fer suspension, you may need to space the doses several hours apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much time is needed between doses of Euro-Fer suspension and your other medicines.
• Do not take Euro-Fer suspension within 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids, eggs, whole grain breads or cereal, milk, milk products, coffee, or tea.
• Take Euro-Fer suspension with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Euro-Fer suspension.
• Euro-Fer suspension may temporarily stain the teeth. Mixing Euro-Fer suspension with water or fruit juice or drinking it through a straw may help to decrease this effect.
• If you miss a dose of Euro-Fer suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Euro-Fer suspension.

Use: Labeled Indications

Iron-deficiency anemia: Prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemias

See also:
What other drugs will affect Euro-Fer?

Oral absorption of iron may be increased when taken with ascorbic acid. May reduce the absorption of quinolones and tetracyclines when taken concurrently via the oral route. Concurrent admin with antacids may reduce the absorption of Euro-Fer from the GI tract. May reduce the absorption of penicillamine in the gut when taken concurrently.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Euro-Fer?

Applies to Euro-Fer: chewable tablets, suspension

Other dosage forms:

• capsules, controlled-release tablets, tablets

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; darkened or green stools; diarrhea; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Euro-Fer (the active ingredient contained in Euro-Fer)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood or streaks of blood in the stool; fever; vomiting with continuing sharp stomach pain.

A metallic element found in certain minerals, in nearly all soils, and in mineral waters. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobin, cytochrome, and other components of respiratory enzyme systems. Its chief functions are in the transport of oxygen to tissue (hemoglobin) and in cellular oxidation mechanisms. Depletion of iron stores may result in iron-deficiency anemia. Euro-Fer is used to build up the blood in anemia.