What is Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Heme iron polypeptide is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.
Heme iron polypeptide is used to treat an iron deficiency (a lack of iron in the body).
Heme iron polypeptide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have iron overload syndrome, hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells), a stomach ulcer, an intestinal disorder (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), if you receive regular blood transfusions, or if you are allergic to beef, milk, or other dairy products.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Heme iron polypeptide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- iron overload syndrome
- hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells)
- a stomach ulcer
- an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- if you receive regular blood transfusions; or
- if you are allergic to beef, milk, or other dairy products
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use heme iron polypeptide, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Your heme iron polypeptide dose needs may change if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give heme iron polypeptide to a child without the advice of a doctor.
Proferrin-ES Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:
- bright red blood in your stools; or
- pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a heme iron polypeptide tablet
Less serious side effects may include:
- constipation, diarrhea
- nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach; or
- black or dark-colored stools or urine
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Proferrin-ES Interactions
What other drugs affect Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
The following drugs can interact with heme iron polypeptide. Tell your doctor if you use any of the following:
- cefdinir (Omnicef)
- chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
- levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet)
- levothyroxine (Synthroid)
- methyldopa (Aldomet)
- penicillamine (Cuprimine)
- an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others; or
- a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), or tetracycline (Sumycin)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with heme iron polypeptide. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Do not take any v
itamin or mineral supplements that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.
Proferrin-ES Dosage
How should I take Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Take heme iron polypeptide with a full glass of water.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using heme iron polypeptide.
Heme iron polypeptide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.
Store heme iron polypeptide at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of heme iron polypeptide can be fatal to a child.
Overdose symptoms may include weakness, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What happens if I miss a dose of Proferrin-ES (Heme Iron Polypeptide)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com