Aurifer Tablet

Indications

Ferric Citrate is used in adults with long-term (chronic) kidney disease for two purposes: to control high blood phosphate levels in people on dialysis, and to treat iron deficiency anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis.

How It Works

In the gut, the iron in Ferric Citrate binds to phosphate from food, forming a compound that is not absorbed and passes out in the stool. This lowers the amount of phosphate entering the blood. Some of the iron is also absorbed, which helps rebuild iron stores and raise haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells).

Dosage and Administration

Take the tablets with meals, swallowed whole. The dose is set by the kidney doctor according to blood phosphate, iron and haemoglobin results, as prescribed; a common starting dose is 1 g (about 210 mg of iron) three times daily with meals for high phosphate, or once to three times daily for iron deficiency. Do not chew or crush.

Interactions

• Take Doxycycline at least 1 hour before Ferric Citrate.
• Ciprofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics, Levothyroxine and some other medicines may be absorbed less; ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing.
• Do not take with other iron supplements unless your doctor advises, as iron levels can become too high.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Ferric Citrate.
• Iron overload conditions, such as haemochromatosis.

Side Effects

Common effects include dark or black stools (expected from iron), diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and wind.

Get urgent medical help if you have black tarry stools with weakness or dizziness, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor advises; too much iron can be harmful to the baby.

Precautions and Warnings

Your doctor will check iron levels (ferritin and transferrin saturation) regularly, as iron can build up in the body. Tell your doctor if you have inflammatory bowel disease or active bleeding in the gut. Keep iron-containing products away from children; accidental iron overdose is dangerous for young children.

Overdose

Iron overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, black stools and, in severe cases, shock and liver damage. This is especially dangerous in children. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Phosphate binder and iron replacement product.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed.