Ferrous fumarate is an oral iron supplement mainly used to replenish iron and correct iron deficiency. Its indications and contraindications are as follows:
I. Indications
The core function of ferrous fumarate is to supplement iron, which is used for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia caused by various reasons:
Treatment of iron-deficiency anemia: It is suitable for iron-deficiency anemia caused by insufficient iron intake (such as long-term unbalanced diet, vegetarians), iron absorption disorders (such as malabsorption caused by gastrointestinal diseases), excessive iron loss (such as chronic blood loss, menorrhagia, hookworm disease, etc.), or increased demand during the growth and development period (such as children, pregnant women).
Prevention of iron deficiency: It can be used for populations prone to iron deficiency, such as pregnant women, lactating women, premature infants, and post-gastrectomy patients, as a preventive iron supplement to reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
II. Contraindications
Ferrous fumarate is not suitable for all populations. It should be prohibited or used with caution in the following situations:
Patients with excessive iron load or non-iron-deficiency anemia: For example, patients with hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and non-iron-deficiency anemia such as thalassemia are prohibited from using ferrous fumarate. Otherwise, it will lead to excessive accumulation of iron in the body and aggravate the condition.
People allergic to ferrous fumarate or iron supplements: Those who are clearly allergic to this drug or other iron supplement ingredients should avoid using it to prevent allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, dyspnea, etc.).
Patients with acute gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers: Ferrous fumarate may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Therefore, patients with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, etc. in the acute attack period are prohibited from using it to avoid aggravating gastrointestinal damage.
Patients with severe liver and kidney dysfunction: Especially those with untreated urinary tract infections should use it with caution or be prohibited from using it to avoid abnormal iron metabolism increasing the burden on the liver and kidneys.
Other special situations: For example, patients with hemochromatosis and those intolerant to iron supplements should also be prohibited from using it.
When using ferrous fumarate, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's advice and adjust the dosage according to individual conditions to avoid adverse reactions caused by self-medication.
