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Overview: Accrufer (ferric maltol) is taken to treat iron deficiency. Common side effects include gas, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain or bloating, nausea, vomiting, and changes in stool color. Keep Accrufer out of the reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron products is a leading cause of poisonings in children. Some of these poisonings can lead to death.

Uses

What is Accrufer used for?

Accrufer (ferric maltol) is commonly taken to treat iron deficiency.

Accrufer may also be taken for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Accrufer work (mechanism of action)?

Accrufer helps with iron deficiency anemia by adding more iron to your body.

How is Accrufer supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Accrufer

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 30 mg oral capsules

How should I store Accrufer?

Accrufer should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Accrufer?

The most common side effects of Accrufer are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea 
  • Constipation
  • Stomach discomfort, bloating, or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Change in poop color

There may be other side effects of Accrufer that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Accrufer?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Accrufer are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Accrufer may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Accrufer and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Accrufer?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Accrufer.

  • Accrufer
  • Ferric maltol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Accrufer.

Iron Overload. People with hemochromatosis or other conditions that cause too much iron in the body should not take Accrufer.

Blood Transfusions. People receiving multiple blood transfusions should not take Accrufer due to the risk of iron levels getting too high.

What should I know about Accrufer before using it?

Do not take Accrufer unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Accrufer with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Accrufer can affect the absorption of other medicines. Talk with your health care provider about the best way to take other medicines while taking Accrufer. See the Interactions section for more details.

Do not chew, crush, or open the Accrufer capsules. They should be swallowed whole.

Accidental iron overdoses can lead to death, especially in children younger than 6 years. Keep Accrufer out of the reach of children. Get emergency help if a child swallows Accrufer.

Your health care provider will likely check your iron levels before starting Accrufer and while you are taking it. This is to make sure the medicine is working or to see if a different dose is needed.

It is normal for your stools to look a darker color while taking Accrufer. Oral iron can do this. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Accrufer?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Accrufer is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Tell your health care provider if you have any stomach problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Accrufer may lead to a flare-up.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Accrufer may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Accrufer, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Accrufer could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Accrufer while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Accrufer passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Accrufer?

For more information about Accrufer, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.accrufer.com.

Interactions

Does Accrufer interact with foods or drinks?

Accrufer should be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid taking Accrufer within one hour before or within two hours after meals.

There are no known interactions between Accrufer and alcohol, but both Accrufer and alcohol can upset your stomach. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Accrufer interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Accrufer.

  • Dimercaprol, a medicine used to remove heavy metals from the blood
  • Mycophenolate (Cellcept and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • A birth control pill
  • A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, others), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or ofloxacin (Floxin), which is a medicine used to treat certain infections
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • An antacid, supplement, or laxative containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium

Accrufer may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Accrufer. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Accrufer?

If you or someone else has taken too much Accrufer, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Accrufer?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.