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ferric citrate

Pronunciation: FER ik SIT rate

Brand: Auryxia


slide 1 of 1, Auryxia,

210 mg, oval, peach, imprinted with KX52

Image of Auryxia
slide 1 of 1

What is the most important information I should know about ferric citrate?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of ferric citrate by a child can be fatal.

What is ferric citrate?

Ferric citrate contains iron that binds to the phosphates you take in through food, which helps your body absorb fewer phosphates. This can lower the amount of phosphorus (a mineral) in your blood.

Ferric citrate is used to control phosphorus levels in adults with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Ferric citrate is also used to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis.

Ferric citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferric citrate?

You should not use ferric citrate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver disease;
  • a stomach or intestinal disorder;
  • stomach bleeding; or
  • stomach or intestinal surgery.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. An overdose of iron can cause miscarriage, birth defects, or pregnancy-related diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.




How should I take ferric citrate?


Ferric citrate works best if you take it with meals.

Do not crush or chew a ferric citrate tablet. The pill may discolor your teeth or mouth.

Ferric citrate contains iron, which is absorbed and stored by your body while you are taking this medicine. To make sure your body is not storing too much iron, you will need frequent blood tests to check your iron levels.

You may need to follow a special diet while using ferric citrate. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of death in children younger than 6 years old.

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a child who accidentally consumes this medicine.

What should I avoid while taking ferric citrate?

Do not take a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron while you are taking ferric citrate, unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid taking other medicines at the same time of day with ferric citrate.

What are the possible side effects of ferric citrate?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe stomach problems (pain, vomiting, diarrhea); or

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea, constipation;
  • darker color in your bowel movements;
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
  • cough.


What other drugs will affect ferric citrate?

If you take any of the following medicines, take them separately from your dose of ferric citrate:

  • An antibiotic called doxycycline: take this medicine at least 1 hour before you take ferric citrate.
  • An antibiotic called ciprofloxacin: take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take ferric citrate.


Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ferric citrate.



Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision date: 5/2/2018.


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