Iron supplements

About iron supplements

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, which is the pigment that makes red blood cells red. Haemoglobin is very important as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and also carries the waste product carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

If someone has an iron deficiency it means that there is not enough oxygen being carried around the body. This can cause tiredness, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness and headache and is known as anaemia.

Iron is found naturally in certain foods, but for some people who do not get enough iron from their normal diet an iron supplement can be useful. Some conditions can also cause iron deficiency, such as pregnancy or heavy periods.

Before taking iron supplements

Before taking iron supplements make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from bowel irritation or disease.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take iron supplements

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Iron supplements are absorbed better if they are taken an hour before meals. However, your doctor may have advised you to take your supplement with your meals to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Try to take iron supplements at the same times each day to avoid missing doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose don't worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up.
• If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of iron supplements go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take large amounts of iron supplements for longer than six months without medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are safe to take with iron supplements.
• Iron supplements may colour your stools. This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
• Try to eat a well balanced diet. Iron can be found naturally in red meat, liver, kidney, eggs, cereals, bread and flour, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and fruit.
• Women should pay particular attention to their diet because they are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency due to loss of blood and iron during menstrual periods.
• Vegetarians and vegans also need to pay particular attention to their iron intake. Iron can be found in vegetarian and vegan foods but the iron found in meat is the most easily absorbed by the body.

Can iron supplements cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

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

How to store iron supplements

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines