Talk to Your Doctor

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia

Tell your doctor how you’re feeling, request a blood test to check your iron levels, and ask about ACCRUFeR^® (ferric maltol) as a potential treatment option.

How to approach a conversation with your doctor

If you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, you deserve the attention of your doctor. Asking the right questions can help get you started on the road to effective treatment.

Not sure what to ask? Consider these questions to get the conversation started.

I’ve heard that certain underlying conditions can increase the risk of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Do any of them apply to me?
I’m experiencing [insert symptoms you’re experiencing]. Do you think I should be tested for iron deficiency?
I’m experiencing [insert symptoms you’re experiencing]. Can we test my iron levels to see if I have iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia?
Can you please test my hemoglobin, TSAT, and ferritin levels? I heard this will paint the clearest picture of whether I have iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.
I’m experiencing [side effect you’re experiencing] from my current iron treatment. Can I try ACCRUFeR instead?

If you’re experiencing side effects on your traditional iron supplement, let your doctor know. Give your stomach a break and ask for an iron that you’ll actually take. You shouldn’t have to put up with discomfort when another option is available.

Follow these tips for an effective doctor’s appointment

Don't hold back information from your doctor.

81% of patients avoid sharing at least one piece of information with their doctor because of nerves or embarrassment.

Raise your concerns with your doctor.

Doctors don’t always initiate discussions on patient concerns proactively. When you ask questions, you give your doctor clues that can help them make appropriate recommendations for your treatment.

Write down your questions.

Two out of three patients forget to ask their doctor a question until after they’ve left the appointment. You can avoid this by thinking about your visit in advance, writing down your questions, and bringing them with you.

Resources

Download our printable resources to learn more about ACCRUFeR.

ACCRUFeR's Affordability

We’re committed to making ACCRUFeR affordable. You have more than one way to save.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take ACCRUFeR if you are allergic to ferric maltol or any of the ingredients in ACCRUFeR; have any illness that causes you to store too much iron in your body or if you have a problem with how your body uses iron; are receiving repeated blood transfusions.

Before you take ACCRUFeR, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if ACCRUFeR will harm your unborn baby; talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if ACCRUFeR passes into your breast milk); talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take ACCRUFeR.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking ACCRUFeR and certain other medicines may interact, which could potentially cause serious side effects. Some medicines may need to be taken at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you have taken ACCRUFeR. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure if you take one of these medicines.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

Dimercaprol

Other oral iron tablets or health supplements containing iron

Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take one of these medicines. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of ACCRUFeR?

ACCRUFeR may cause serious side effects including:

Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare. You should avoid taking ACCRUFeR if you have IBD and are experiencing a flare

Too much iron stored in your body (iron overload). Your healthcare provider should check the iron level in your blood before you start treatment with ACCRUFeR

Risk of overdose in children due to accidental swallowing. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of death from poisoning in children under 6. Keep ACCRUFeR in a safe place and out of the reach of children

The most common side effects of ACCRUFeR include gas, diarrhea, constipation, discolored stools, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and stomach area discomfort or bloating. These are not all the possible side effects of ACCRUFeR. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.