From the Guidelines
Ferrofumarate is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia, and the initial treatment should be with one tablet per day of ferrous sulphate, fumarate, or gluconate, as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1.
Key Points
- Ferrofumarate contains iron in the form of ferrous fumarate, which helps increase iron levels in the body when dietary intake is insufficient or when the body's iron requirements are elevated.
- The typical adult dose ranges from 200-600 mg daily, usually divided into multiple doses, and for children, dosing is based on weight and age.
- Ferrofumarate is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach with water or juice, though it can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Common side effects include constipation, dark stools, stomach discomfort, and nausea.
- Treatment typically continues for 3-6 months to fully replenish iron stores, even after blood tests show improvement.
- Patients should avoid taking ferrofumarate with calcium supplements, dairy products, coffee, tea, or antacids, as these can reduce absorption, as suggested by the AGA clinical practice update on management of iron deficiency anemia 1.
Important Considerations
- The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society guidelines suggest adding 200-mg ferrous sulphate, 210-mg ferrous fumarate, or 300-mg ferrous gluconate daily to prevent iron deficiency, especially in women of reproductive age and who are menstruating 1.
- Taking iron supplements alongside citrus fruits/drinks or vitamin C may aid absorption, but evidence supporting vitamin C administration to improve iron absorption is mixed, and further study is needed to clarify the effectiveness of this practice 1.
- Tea and coffee are powerful inhibitors of iron absorption and should not be consumed within an hour after taking iron, as reported in a recent iron isotope study 1.
From the Research
What is Ferrofumarate
- Ferrofumarate, also known as ferrous fumarate, is a medication used to treat iron deficiency anemia 2, 3.
- It is an oral iron supplement that helps increase hemoglobin levels and improve iron store indices in the body 2.
- Ferrous fumarate is often compared to other oral iron salts, such as ferrous ascorbate and ferrous bis-glycinate, in terms of its effectiveness and safety 2.
- Studies have shown that ferrous fumarate can significantly improve hemoglobin levels and quality of life in patients with iron deficiency anemia, including those with chronic heart failure 3.
Uses of Ferrofumarate
- Ferrofumarate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults and children 4, 5.
- It is also used to prevent iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and other conditions that increase the risk of iron deficiency 4, 6.
- Ferrofumarate may be prescribed for patients who are unable to tolerate or absorb oral iron supplements, such as those with celiac disease or bariatric surgical procedures 4.
Benefits of Ferrofumarate
- Ferrofumarate can help improve hemoglobin levels, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life in patients with iron deficiency anemia 2, 3.
- It may also help reduce the risk of complications associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as poor pregnancy outcomes and impaired cognitive function 4, 5.
- Ferrofumarate is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile, although it may cause gastrointestinal side effects in some patients 2, 6.