Iron levels and supplements

Hi all

I'm looking for advice on getting my iron levels up. They came in at 11 (where 15-50 is normal) and they're dropping like a stone since my op.

My GP suggested buying OTC chewable iron supplements. Can anyone suggest some or know which ones are best for post op?

Sorry cant help.. i have pregaday that are prescribed by gp.

marcusbm said:

Hi all I'm looking for advice on getting my iron levels up. They came in at 11 (where 15-50 is normal) and they're dropping like a stone since my op. My GP suggested buying OTC chewable iron supplements. Can anyone suggest some or know which ones are best for post op?

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Hi I'm very new to this but do you not get iron supplements on prescription? I'm only 2 weeks post op but my consultant said I'd be on iron tablets for life x

My GP (locum) said he can't issue prescriptions for any medicine available OTC.

Llora said:

Sorry cant help.. i have pregaday that are prescribed by gp.

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Is that chewable or sublingual? I realise it's usually given to pregnant women but if it does what's needed then I'll go for that.

marcusbm said:

My GP (locum) said he can't issue prescriptions for any medicine available OTC.

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Looked on my letter they're suggesting ferrous fumurate which is prescription only so might be worth a try x

marcusbm said:

Is that chewable or sublingual? I realise it's usually given to pregnant women but if it does what's needed then I'll go for that.

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Its not chewable. Its a small tablet to swallow.

You will have to go to pharmacy abd speak to the pharmacist

What dosage are you taking? (In mg)

We were told down here to take 2x200mg ferrous sulphate or fumerate a day. E.g one in morning, one at tea/evening. I'm yet to have my bloods taken since op, so not sure of my count. They are due to be taken in Mid march. xx

I had my bloods taken early as I'll be abroad for a year so minimising what needs to be done in that time. I've ordered some pills.

What's the difference between ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumerate? I seems the latter is more common going by above comments. I'm guessing some people respond better to one than the other.

Also does it need to be taken at a different time to other medicines? Same time as Calcium or some time as Multi-vits?

marcusbm said:

I had my bloods taken early as I'll be abroad for a year so minimising what needs to be done in that time. I've ordered some pills. What's the difference between ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumerate? I seems the latter is more common going by above comments. I'm guessing some people respond better to one than the other. Also does it need to be taken at a different time to other medicines? Same time as Calcium or some time as Multi-vits?

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Ferrous sulphate made me feel really sick and have black tar like consisted poo! The Dietician at hospital said ferrous fumerate does not cause this so advised I try them but she also said they're more expensive so the GP would be more likely to try and prescribe the others unless I specify which I want.

not to be taken at the same time as your calcium apparently, so I take my iron just before bed.

I ordered Ferrous Fumarate. Not keen on strange stools!

I've been taking ferrous fumerate for years... No strange stools for me.... Lol x

My doctor prescribed me iron tablets for 3 months when my iron levels dropped... have just come off them