Iron supplements

About iron supplements

Iron-deficiency anaemia is caused by a lack of iron. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin which carries oxygen around in the bloodstream and is what makes red blood cells red.

If you have iron-deficiency anaemia, it means that there is a reduced amount of oxygen being carried around in your body. This can cause tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, the sensation of having a 'thumping heart' (palpitations) and headache.

Iron is found naturally in certain foods, but in conditions where people do not get enough iron from their normal diet for their body's needs, an iron supplement may be useful.

Before taking iron supplements

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking an iron supplement it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have any difficulty swallowing.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take iron supplements

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the iron supplement and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Iron is absorbed into your bloodstream best if the supplement is taken about an hour before a meal. If, however, you feel queasy after taking iron, having some food in your stomach can help to reduce stomach irritation and feelings of queasiness. So in this case, it may be better for you to take your iron supplement just after a meal.

• Take the iron preparation exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be told how much to take and how often to take it. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack to remind you. It is usual to be prescribed between 1-3 doses a day. Taking your doses at the same times each day will help you to avoid missing any.

• If you do forget to take a dose, don't worry, just leave out the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The length of your course of treatment will depend upon how low your iron levels are. A blood test after a few weeks will show if the treatment is working and your doctor will tell you for how long you should continue to take the iron supplement.

• If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are suitable to take with iron supplements. Some medicines (particularly antacids) can interfere with the way iron is absorbed and so should not be taken at the same time.

• Iron supplements can make your stools look darker in colour. This is completely harmless.

• If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of iron, or that someone else (especially if it is a child) might have taken it accidentally, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital straightaway. This is very important because iron can cause serious problems when it is taken accidentally or in overdose. Take the container with you to show what has been taken, even if the pack is now empty.

Can iron supplements cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with iron. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store iron supplements

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines