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Ferric Citrate

Pronounced

"FER-us SI-trate"

Uses

Ferric citrate is used to lower high blood phosphate levels in people who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. This medication works by binding to phosphate in the foods you eat. The phosphate then passes out of your body in your stool.

Ferric citrate is a form of iron. This medication is also used to treat low blood levels of iron (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease who are not on dialysis. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.

How to Use This Medication

See also Drug Interactions section.

Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with a meal and some fluids as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking your dose.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Crushing or chewing the tablets may cause your mouth or teeth to change color.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab test results. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.