Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Slow Fe®. Make sure you read the product label and directions before use, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions.
1. What is iron and why is it needed?
Iron is a mineral that is an essential part of a healthy diet. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout our body to carry out many important functions.
2. What is iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency is a condition resulting from too little iron in the body. Without enough iron, the body can’t make enough red blood cells that carry and deliver oxygen and therefore the body’s tissues and organs won’t get the oxygen they need to function well.
3. What is the prevalence of iron deficiency?
In the United States, the prevalence of iron deficiency in females, ages 12-49 years, is 12% as compared with 2% in male ages 16-69 years.
4. How does a slow release formulation of iron work?
Slow Fe® Iron Supplement is a slow release formulation of iron. Slow Fe® provides a controlled delivery system, delivering iron slowly to your body. Clinical studies have shown that slow release formulations of iron can cause fewer of the side effects (nausea and abdominal discomfort) that are common with immediate release of iron supplements.
5. What is Slow Fe®?
Slow Fe® is an iron supplement for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, for use when the need for such therapy has been determined by a physician.
6. How much iron does Slow Fe® contain?
Slow Fe® contains 45 mg of elemental iron in each tablet which is equivalent to 137 mg of ferrous sulfate.
7. What is the difference between elemental iron and ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is one of the salt forms of iron (“ferrous” meaning iron and ”sulfate” being the salt form that ‘carries’ or ‘contains’ the iron). “Elemental iron” refers to the iron only portion of the iron salt form (i.e. the “ferrous” of ferrous sulfate).
8. How do I open the pack?
You should remove from the box and puncture the tamper-indicating seal of the individual section containing the tablet.
Bend, tear at perforation.
Peel from notched corner.
9. How do I take Slow Fe®?
Adults: Take 1 tablet daily, or as recommended by a doctor
Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush.
Do not take more than directed.
Slow Fe® is not intended for children.
The treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
10. Can Slow Fe® be taken with or without food?
It can be taken either with or without food. Iron is best absorbed best on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. However, it can also be taken with a full glass of water or juice.
11. What can I do if I miss a dose?
You should take the next dose as directed. Do not take 2 doses at once.
12. Can I take Slow Fe® with other medicines? Are there any potential interactions with other medicines?
Slow Fe® may interfere with absorption of certain oral antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline) and other medications. These products should not be taken within two (2) hours of taking Slow Fe®. For more information talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
13. I am having difficulty swallowing pills. Can I crush Slow Fe® tablets?
Slow Fe® must be swallowed whole, so that the time release mechanism of the tablet is not compromised.
14. Should I ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product?
It is recommended that the treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Do not use If you are taking other supplements containing iron for more than six months unless directed by a doctor.
Consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing.
15. Can children take this product?
No. This product is not intended for children.
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately.
16. How should I store Slow Fe®?
Slow Fe® should be stored at controlled room temperature 20-25oC(68-77oF) and protected from excessive heat and moisture.
17. Where can I buy Slow Fe® iron supplements?
Slow Fe® is available in the US at drug stores, mass merchandisers and grocery stores. Click here to find a store nearest you.
18. Why is Slow Fe® different than other iron supplements?
Slow Fe® contains ferrous sulfate, the ingredient most recommended by doctors. And with a special controlled delivery system, Slow Fe® provides high potency iron with the gentleness you want. Slow Fe® is the #1 Doctor Recommended among OTC iron-only supplement brands.