Floradix vs Ferrous Fumarate

[siurana]

Hi There I'm 32 weeks with 2nd baby, getting anaemic just as I did with ds1, 28 week bloods were boarderline but GP rang me to say she thinks I should be on the dreaded Ferrous Fumarate (they have changed from prescribing ferrous sulphate as this is cheaper apparently). I have been taking for 24 hours and already the lovely side effects (for me diarrohea and stomach cramps - nice) but I also have some Floradix in the cupboard, anyone know if its as effective as it says it only has 14 mg Iron per dose as opposed to 68 mg in doctors iron tabs? I seem to remember someone telling me its about available iron or something? As it takes about 28 days for your red blood cells to grow I obviously don't want to take the Floradix and then still be anaemic after that time. I'm not sure wether to just suffer the side effects of the iron tabs so I don't feel like I've been run over by a bus! Any thoughts advice would be much appreciated.

[moregranny]

No the Floradix will not be strong enough at your stage but I think the Dr. may be able to offer another alternative :)

[siurana]

Thanks for the advice - thats great - I can't manage on the iron tabs!

[a11yJ]

Ive been given ferrous fumerate 210 mg to be taken 3 times a day is this normal? What were ure hb levels?

[siurana]

Hi allyJ I can't remember what my GP said they were. Basically she said they were just under the threshold at 28 weeks but given my symptoms and that I had it at the same time with ds1 she said 2 tabs a day. I'm having another blood test next week to check levels. Sorry I can't be more help.

[misshey]

a11yj I was put on the same as you as iron levels were very low im afraid the side effects were severe constipation though so good luck with those you can take lactulose if you get the same prob as me though lol

[FessaEst]

I was really ill on ferrous sulphate in my last pg - stomach cramps, diarrhoea & vomiting. They changed me to ?ferrous gluconate which I think is meant to be gentler. I took spatone x 2 sachets at a time and my hb did come up enough to have a homebirth as planned. I alsoate fortified cereals, and loads of apricots etc. HTH.