International name (active ingredient): Ferrous fumarate
Clinical-pharmacological group: Hematology → Antianemic agents → Iron preparations
Manufacturer: Thornton and Ross Ltd
Country of manufacture: United Kingdom
Form of release: capsules. N 100
Dispensing regime: Over-the-counter (OTC)
Composition:
Active ingredient per capsule: 305 mg ferrous fumarate (equivalent to 100 mg of elemental iron).
Excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, and colorants: Quinoline yellow (E104), Erythrosine (E127), Indigo carmine (E132), Titanium dioxide (E171).
Indications:
Galfer capsules contain ferrous fumarate as the active ingredient, which helps to restore low iron levels in the blood. The medication is used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
This medical product is used under the supervision of a doctor to treat laboratory-confirmed iron deficiency anemia.
Contraindications:
- If the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients in the preparation.
- If the patient has other conditions related to iron levels in the blood (including conditions associated with iron accumulation in soft tissues or erythrocyte-related issues).
- If the patient has a stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal problems.
- If the patient has inflammatory bowel disease, e.g., ulcerative colitis or regional enteritis.
- If the patient has a history of regular blood transfusions.
- If the patient has anemia not related to low iron levels.
- If the patient is currently receiving iron injections.
Precautions before taking Galfer capsules:
- If the patient has a history of stomach ulcers.
- If the patient has had a total or partial resection of the stomach.
- If the patient has a vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin B12 or folic acid.
- If the patient is male, as iron deficiency anemia is relatively rare in men and requires further investigation.
- Before performing a stool examination: The patient should inform their doctor about using Galfer capsules, as the medication may cause black stools and affect the test results.
The patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking Galfer capsules.
Interaction with other medications:
The patient should inform their doctor or pharmacist about any medications they are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take, including over-the-counter drugs. Special attention should be paid to the following drugs:
- Antibiotics, including tetracyclines (e.g., oxytetracycline) and fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin).
- Penicillamine, used to treat arthritis.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Galfer capsules can be taken during pregnancy and lactation.
Before using the medication, the patient should consult with their treating physician, especially if they are in the first trimester of pregnancy. It may also be necessary to take folic acid.
Instructions for Use: Important information before using the medication: The medication should be taken before meals, preferably on an empty stomach. If Galfer capsules cause stomach irritation, the patient should take the medication with food or after meals. Certain foods or beverages, such as tea, eggs, or milk, may reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron.
For detailed information about foods and beverages to avoid, the patient should consult their treating physician. Galfer capsules may cause black stool color. This is a normal effect for iron-containing preparations. If symptoms do not improve after 28 days, the patient should consult their physician. After normalizing iron levels, treatment should not exceed 3 months. The physician will provide information on when to stop the treatment.
Dosage: The medication should be taken orally.
- For adults, the elderly, and children over 12 years of age: To prevent iron deficiency, take one capsule once daily. To treat iron deficiency, take one capsule twice daily.
- For children under 12 years of age: The medication should not be used in children under 12 without a doctor’s prescription.
Overdose: In case of accidental overdose, the patient should immediately consult a doctor. The patient should bring the packaging, which contains the medication name.
Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. The next dose should be taken according to the treatment regimen. A double dose should not be taken to make up for the missed dose.
Possible Side Effects: Like all medications, Galfer capsules may cause side effects, but not all patients will experience them.
Serious Side Effects: If any of the following serious side effects occur, the patient should stop taking the medication and immediately contact their treating physician:
- Allergic reactions causing difficulty breathing, fever, swelling of the mouth, lips, or skin, severe rash, itching, or stomach pain.
Other Possible Side Effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Darkening of stool color
If any side effects worsen or other side effects occur that are not listed above, the patient should stop taking the medication and consult their physician or pharmacist. The doctor or pharmacist will provide the necessary information.
Reporting Side Effects: If any side effects occur, the patient should speak with their treating physician, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes side effects not mentioned in this leaflet.
Storage conditions:
The medication contains iron and should be kept out of reach of children, as overdose can be fatal. Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, in its original packaging. The medication should not be used after the expiration date specified on the packaging, which refers to the last day of the indicated month. It is prohibited to dispose of the medication by flushing it down the toilet or throwing it in household waste.
For information on the proper disposal of unused waste, the patient should consult a pharmacist. These measures are important for environmental protection.
