February 2018

How To Take Iron Tablet Properly | How To Reduce Iron Tablet Side Effects | Iron Supplements For Best Absorption | Iron Vitamin C | Ferrous Sulphate

Hey guys! This weeks video is about how to take an iron supplement so you can get the most out of it and how to reduce the side effects associated with them.

Iron supplements are prescribed or recommended when when your anaemic or at risk of developing anaemia because the iron stores in your body are low.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can include:

• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
• Pale skin

HOW TO TAKE YOUR IRON SUPPLEMENT:
To help get the best absorption of your iron supplement you should take it on an empty stomach (preferably one hour before a meal or two hours after) with a drink containing vitamin C, such as a glass of orange juice or another juice drink with added vitamin C.

Absorption of iron from the gut is reduced by food, tea and milk, so these should be avoided for one hour before and after taking the iron supplement.

The precise instructions for when to take your supplements will be discussed with you by the healthcare professional who prescribes them.

The only factor that improves the absorption of iron is vitamin C. This is why we recommend that you take your iron supplement with a drink containing vitamin C.

HOW DO IRON SUPPLEMENTS WORK:
Iron is needed for the production of haemoglobin, which is an essential ingredient in red blood cells.

Haemoglobin is very important as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

If you don’t have enough iron, you can develop anaemia, which means that you aren’t making enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. You may become breathless, tired and have a lack of energy, your skin may become pale and you may have palpitations (noticeable heartbeats).

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:
The following side effects are common,
• Stomach upset
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation

These usually improve as your body gets used to the iron supplements. If the side effects continue to be a problem for you, contact the healthcare professional who prescribed the iron supplements and discuss the possible options I have recommended in the video with them.

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

IRON SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS:
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 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.

Link to iron supplement interactions, this link is for ferrous sulphate a commonly prescribed iron supplement. If you are taking a different iron supplement, on the same page you can search the name of it and click interactions - https://bnf.nice.org.uk/interaction/f...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ALL MEDICINES:
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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ABOUT ME:
Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Bringing Science Through New Film Every Monday | Extreme Optimist

I'm a British - Persian - Iranian prescribing media pharmacist who loves science, making videos and helping people. I work in both GP surgeries and community pharmacy.

DISCLAIMER: 
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.