Author: Unknown

Slow-Fe Ferrous sulphate | Ciba

Information for Patients

What you need to know about Slow-Fe
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your tablets.  It contains important information about your tablets.

What's in your medicine 
Slow-Fe tablets contain iron and are used as haematinics (iron supplements).  Each tablet contains 160mg of ferrous sulphate (iron sulphate) in a special 'slow release' form.  The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

lactose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, cetostearyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, talc, polysorbate, yellow iron oxide, indigocarmine (E132).

Slow-Fe comes in blister packs containing 28 tablets.

Made by: Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Horsham, West Sussex.

Product Licence Holder: Ciba-Geigy plc, Hulley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire.

What this medicine is used for 
Slow-Fe is used to prevent or to treat anaemia caused by too little iron in the body (iron-deficiency anaemia).

Before taking your medicine

•	Have you ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to iron medicines?
•	Do you suffer from any iron-storage disorders (for example, thalassaemia) or blood diseases which your doctor does not know about?

If the answer to either of these questions is YES, do not take the tablets without talking to your doctor.

•	Do you suffer from any serious diseases affecting the stomach or intestines?
•	Are you taking any indigestion medicines (antacids)?
•	Are you taking tetracycline (an antibiotic)?
•	Are you taking penicillamine (an arthritis medicine)?
•	Are you taking any other medicines which your doctor does not know about including iron-containing medicines or tonics?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.  Slow-Fe can be taken during pregnancy but you may wish to check with your doctor first.

Other special warnings

•	Slow-Fe is not suitable for children under the age of six.
•	These tablets also contain lactose and indigocarmine (E132) and may be unsuitable for some people.

Taking your medicine

•	Follow any instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.  The usual doses are as follows: 

Adults 	Prevention of anaemia: 1 tablet a day
	Treatment of anaemia: 2 tablets a day

Children aged 6 and over	Treatment of anaemia: 1 tablet a day

If you are not sure how many tablets to take/ ask your doctor or pharmacist.

•	Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.  Do not crush or chew the tablet as this will affect its special 'slow release' system.
	
•	If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose at the usual time.  DO NOT take a double dose.
	
•	If you accidentally take too many Slow-Fe tablets, tell your doctor at once or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.

After taking your medicine

These tablets sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people, for example:

•	Stomach discomfort
•	Feeling or being sick
•	Constipation or diarrhoea

These effects are often mild and wear off after a few days' treatment.  If they are severe or last for more than a few days, tell your doctor.

Dark stools can sometimes occur during Slow-Fe treatment.  This is caused by unabsorbed iron and is usually harmless.  If you are also getting severe stomach pains, tell your doctor at once.  Also, if your tablets upset you in any other way, tell your doctor.

Storing your medicine

•	The expiry date for these tablets is given on the carton. Do not take the tablets after this date.
	
•	Keep your tablets in a dry place, out of reach of children. Return any unused tablets to your pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet applies only to Slow-Fe.  This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your tablets.  If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Date: October 1994	Copyright Ciba-Geigy plc	35847a