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Original poster

Low iron levels and ferrous fumerate

8 replies

Yumcha11 · 19/04/2022 02:13

Hi all

Currently 32 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with low iron and b12 levels. Have been prescribed ferrous fumerate X 2 a day and b12 to take daily. It's not agreeing with my tummy and I feel like I have food poisoning. I went to the loo X 5 today, very watery, crampy and uncomfortable. Is this normal and do I need to just power through or is this an unacceptable level of side effects? Has been like this for 4 days since I first started taking them. Any advice please? Thank you

OP posts:

LetitiaLeghorn · 19/04/2022 02:54

I'd contact whoever prescribed them. Sometimes people just can't tolerate iron supplements. My mum gets anaemic but neither the tablets nor the liquid agree with her so she has to have iron infusions instead. Don't be passive about this. My mum's iron levels got so low before the gp would do anything, I actually thought she was going to die. It's very scary. So don't wait but speak to someone sooner rather than later.

Original poster

Yumcha11 · 19/04/2022 05:02

Thank you so much, I will speak to the GP surgery, if I can get through!

OP posts:

LovedayCL · 19/04/2022 05:15

I struggle with ferrous fumerate too, it’s really common. Active Iron from Boots is a million times better for me.

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Billandben444 · 19/04/2022 06:56

I'm on ferrous fumerste and my poo was black and hard. I now alternate it with a gentle iron supplement I bought at sainsburys and things have improved.

superplumb · 19/04/2022 08:00

@Yumcha11

Hi all

I suffer from this anyway even when it pregnant. I took the pregnacare max vitamins everyday and my levels were fine. Also they didnt upset my tummy like the strong iron tablets did

Original poster

Yumcha11 · 19/04/2022 23:15

Thanks everyone. Have an appt for tomorrow morning so let's see what they can do. I've been taking the pregnacare max during the pregnancy but now I think my iron levels are lower than my midwife is comfortable with so I'm having to supplement with prescription tablets. Wouldn't wish it on anyone!

OP posts:

Chab92 · 19/04/2022 23:30

I really really struggled with ferrous fumerate...I was prescribed it postpartum after I haemorrhaged and I've since told the doctors I will never use it again as I ended up with horrific piles and and anal fissure for 18 months. I recommend the iron liquid you can get (floradix). Much gentler on your system for sure!! And just did the healthier iron rich foods etc to help best I could without the tablets.

Pawtriarchal · 19/04/2022 23:37

@Yumcha11

I am and was in the same boat during three pregnancies but the prescription tablets were too harsh so I just couldn’t consistently take them. The Active Iron has been amazing and I’m able to keep my levels up with them. There’s a lot of reviews for them with people saying the same - just in case that’s helpful. I pick them up whenever I see them on 3 for 2 in Boots.

www.boots.com/active-iron-30-capsules-10220795

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