Drug Factsheets

Palafer

(oral iron - gluconate; fumarate; sulfate)

In this factsheet:
• How does Palafer work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Palafer?
• What form(s) does Palafer come in?
• Who should NOT take Palafer?
• What side effects are possible with Palafer?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Palafer?
• What other drugs could interact with Palafer?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Palafer work? What will it do for me?

Iron supplements belong to a class of medications known as anemia therapy. Iron is available for oral use (taken by mouth) in different salt forms - ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous fumarate.

Iron is important for the production of red blood cells. It helps red blood cells to carry oxygen to the various parts of the body. When the body does not get enough oxygen due to lack of iron, symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath and learning problems may occur. This is a type of anemia called iron deficiency anemia.

Iron preparations are used to treat this condition when sufficient iron is not available from the diet. It can also be used to supplement iron during times when the body needs extra, for example pregnancy, bleeding problems, burns, and certain stomach problems.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Palafer?

There are different types of iron preparations that contain different amounts of elemental (pure) iron. For example, 300 mg of ferrous fumarate contains 100 mg of elemental iron (33%), 300 mg of Ferrous gluconate contains 35 mg of elemental iron (11.6%), while 300 mg of ferrous sulfate contains 60 mg of elemental iron (20%).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help when choosing the recommended amount of iron for your circumstances. To prevent deficiency, the recommended daily intake of iron for adults is 8 mg to 13 mg daily. An additional 5 mg daily is recommended in the second trimester of pregnancy, and an additional 10 mg per day is recommended in the third trimester. For adults who are deficient in iron, 50 mg to 100 mg elemental iron three times daily is the recommended intake.

Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: half glass or 4 ounces), about one hour before or two hours after meals. However, if stomach upset occurs, lower doses may be given to start with, and the iron can be taken after food. Infants and children who are deficient in iron usually receive 4 mg to 6 mg per kilogram of body weight daily given as a single dose or two divided doses. To prevent iron-deficiency anemia, infants and children should receive 0.5 mg to 2 mg of elemental iron per kilogram of body weight daily (to a maximum of 15 mg daily).

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without talking to your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children as severe reactions including death have resulted from childhood ingestions.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Palafer come in?

Capsules

Each scarlet capsule, printed "PALAFER" in white ink on the body and cap, contains ferrous fumarate M.D.I. (micro dispersible form) 300 mg representing 100 mg of elemental iron. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C yellow No. 10, FD&C red No. 2, FD&C red No. 3, FD&C yellow No. 6, gelatin, lactose, povidone, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide and sodium lauryl sulphate. Energy: 4.34 kJ (1.03 kcal); 0.25 g carbohydrates.

Suspension

Each 5 mL of brown-coloured suspension contains ferrous fumarate 300 mg equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial cherry flavour, caramel, carrageenan, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol solution, sucrose and water. Energy: 61.1 kJ (14.6 kcal)/5 mL; 3.3 g carbohydrates per 5 mL.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Palafer?

Oral iron preparations should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to iron or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has conditions known as hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis (iron overload)
• has hemolytic anemia (unless iron deficiency exists)
• has vitamin E deficiency (in premature infants)
• is receiving iron injections
• has an anemia other than iron deficiency anemia

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