Fefol belongs to a group of medicines known as haematinics, which improve the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. They do this by increasing the amount of haemoglobin, the iron-containing respiratory pigment, which is carried in the red blood cells.

Fefol is used for prophylaxis of iron and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy.

a.    Do not take Fefol if you:

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to Fefol or any of its ingredients
• have too much iron in your body

b.    Take special care with Fefol and inform your doctor if you:

• suffer from haemochromatosis - a hereditary disorder in which excessive amounts of iron accumulate in the body tissues
• suffer from haemolytic anaemia - a blood disorder characterised by low number of red blood cells
• suffer from red cell aplasia - a blood disorder where there is no production of red blood cells

The folic acid content of one capsule a day is unlikely to mask pernicious anemia should this condition be present; pregnancy during pernicious anemia is very rare.

ailure to respond to treatment may indicate other causes of anemia and should be further investigated.

c.     Taking other medicines, herbal or dietary supplements

You should tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken any of the following medicines as they may interact with Fefol:

•  Tetracyclines
• Antacids  
• Penicillamine  

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

d.    Taking Fefol with food and drink

The effect of Fefol may be reduced if taken with tea, coffee, eggs or milk.

e.    Pregnancy and breast-feeding

The use of any drug should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy unless considered essential.

f.      Driving and using machines

Fefol does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Always take Fefol exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults only: 1 'Fefol Spansule' Capsule a day during pregnancy. Some pregnant patients may need a higher prophylactic dose of iron because of dietary or other factors.

Swallow the whole capsule with a glass of water

a. If you take more Fefol than you should

Keep out of the reach of children. If you or someone else has taken too many Fefol capsules contact your doctor or local hospital immediately.

Iron overdosage is dangerous particularly in children and requires immediate attention.

Treatment is necessary if more than 30 mg elemental iron per kilogram body weight have been ingested. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and hematemesis, lethargy, coma, convulsions and shock. In the last phase, 2 to 5 weeks after ingestion, effects such as encephalopathy, hepatic necrosis and pyloric stenosis may occur. Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible, vomiting should be induced. Give oral   desferrioxamine (2 g for a child or 5 g for an adult) and demulcents. If serum iron levels at 4 hours or more post-ingestion are over 5 mg/L in a child or 8 mg/L in an adult, or if the patient is in shock or coma, intramuscular or intravenous desferrioxamine should be used according to instructions for this product. Symptomatic and supportive measures should be given as required.

b. If you forget to take Fefol

Take that dose as soon as you remember. Then take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, Fefol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Dark stools are usual during iron therapy, and nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation such as anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhea are sometimes encountered. 'Fefol Spansule' Capsules are designed to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions.

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children

Store below 30°C, in a dry place and protect from light.

Store in the original container

Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the carton

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect environment.