Iron/folic acid is a combination dietary supplement. It's usually used for people who have low levels of iron and folic acid to help prevent problems like anemia. Providers might also recommend it as a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy for a baby's development and growth. It's taken by mouth, usually once to three times a day, depending on the brand name (e.g. Bentivite, ProFerrin Forte). Some potential side effects of iron/folic acid include constipation, nausea, and stomach upset.
Iron/folic acid is a combination of two medications:
| Common Brands | Bentivite, ProFerrin Forte, Hemocyte F |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dietary supplement |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Iron/folic acid can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
If you take multiple supplements that contain iron or take more iron/folic acid than recommended, there's a chance that your iron level will become too high. This is dangerous because it can lead to problems such as tears in the gut, seizures, and liver damage. Your provider will regularly do blood tests to check your iron level while you're taking iron/folic acid. Let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of too much iron, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products, like iron/folic acid, can be extremely harmful to children under 6 years of age. Keep iron/folic acid out of reach of children so that they don't accidentally take it. If your child took iron/folic acid and you notice them vomiting up blood or having diarrhea and stomach pain, call your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Taking folic acid can sometimes hide anemia due to low vitamin B12 levels. This means that folic acid might help raise your red blood cell count without addressing your vitamin B12 levels, which can remain low. Your provider might check your vitamin B12 levels through blood work before you start folic acid to make sure you receive appropriate treatment for all your nutrient deficiencies.
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mg/12mg | 90 tablets | $60.35 | $0.67 |
Different brand names of iron/folic acid can have different forms of iron, strengths of iron and folic acid, and directions. Please read the manufacturer's label of your product for directions specific to the brand-name medication you're taking.
Examples of iron/folic acid include:
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Iron/folic acid will not be safe for you to take.
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No, folic acid and iron aren't the same. They're both nutrients that have different roles in the body. Iron is used to make hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. Folic acid works to help tissues and cells grow as well as help make genetic material (DNA) and new red blood cells.
Yes, you can take Proferrin Forte and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) together. Vitamin C helps to absorb iron into your body, so it's possible your provider might recommend to take a vitamin C supplement with your Proferrin Forte.
Talk with your provider to see which Proferrin Forte supplement is best for you to take during pregnancy. Folic acid is an important vitamin you need during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It's key in helping your baby's brain and spinal cord develop properly. It's also important that you have enough iron in your body during pregnancy. Iron (and folic acid) helps prevent and treat anemia for both mother and baby. But depending on your iron levels, not all pregnant people need iron supplements.
Talk with your provider if you're not sure whether or not you should choose an Proferrin Forte with a specific type of iron. There are three types of iron commonly used in Proferrin Fortes: ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. Your body absorbs these types better than it does other types of iron. The major difference between these three types of iron is how much elemental iron they each contain. Elemental iron is the form of iron your body can actually absorb. Ferrous fumarate contains the most amount of iron and ferrous gluconate contains the least. Ask your provider how much iron you need to take as a supplement.
It's best to take Proferrin Forte in between meals on an empty stomach because your body absorbs iron better this way. But if Proferrin Forte causes you to have a stomach upset, taking it with a small amount of food can help. If you do take Proferrin Forte with food, your provider might recommend you to take it with a glass of orange juice or a vitamin C tablet because these can help your body better absorb the iron.
No, don't give Proferrin Forte to a child younger than 18 years old without talking to their provider first. Proferrin Forte contains iron, and accidental overdose of iron-containing medications, like Proferrin Forte, is a leading cause of deadly poisoning in young children. Ask your child's provider about safe multivitamins for children.
