Galfer FA

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, ferrous fumarate and folic acid. Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron and folic acid is a member of the B group of vitamins. Both iron and folic acid are needed by the body for the formation of red blood cells. If the body does not receive adequate amounts of these nutrients, anaemia can develop. During pregnancy the daily requirement for both iron and folic acid increases. This is because the mother must increase her production of red blood cells to supply the foetus and, in addition, the foetus and placenta need their own supply of iron, which can only be obtained from the mother. If a pregnant woman doesn't increase her iron and folic acid intake, either through her diet or by taking supplements, she may become anaemic. This iron and folic acid supplement is designed for use by pregnant women who are at high risk of developing iron and folic acid deficiency during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This may include women carrying twins or triplets and women who have had pregnancies close together. The supplement will also correct mild iron deficiency anaemia if this has already developed before the supplements are started. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you need to take an iron and folic acid supplement. The absorption of iron from the gut is decreased if it is taken at the same time as coffee, tea, eggs or milk. Its absorption is enhanced if it is taken at the same time as foods or supplements containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

What is it used for?

Preventing iron and folic acid deficiency in pregnancy

Warning!

This medicine may discolour the stools, but this is harmless.

This medicine should be taken with food to minimise any digestive side effects.

This medicine contains iron and so should be kept well out of the sight and reach of children, as iron overdose can be fatal in children.

Use with caution in

People who have had all or part of their stomach surgically removed (gastrectomy)

People with treated or controlled peptic ulcers

People with tumours that are dependent on folate for growth

Not to be used in

Active peptic ulcer

Children

Crohn's disease

Genetic disease resulting in too much iron storage in the tissues

Individuals receiving repeated blood transfusions

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Iron storage disorder (haemosiderosis)

Sudden loss of haemoglobin (oxygen carrying protein in the blood) in the urine at night (paroxysmal nocturnal heamoglobinuria)

Treatment of folate deficiency anaemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is recommended and safe to take during pregnancy.

This medicine passes into breast milk, however there are no reported harmful effects when used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Darkening of stools

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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