Ferrous Sulfate

[Friedseasalt]

Hi all - I have been given Ferrous sulfate 200mg to take 3 times a day due to blood loss when haemorrhaging, the tablets have made me feel so sick / nauseous. Has anyone else experienced this?

I cannot tolerate iron tablets. They make me feel so unwell. Apple flavour spatone worked for me. My midwife was sceptical but then impressed at how my iron levels improved as a result

If you're struggling massively, go to your local pharmacy and ask them to sell you some Ferrous Fumarate. It's absorbed better by the body anyway so it should be the first line of treatment. If you're still struggling after that you'll need to go back to the GP or consultant and they will need to consider whether you should have an iron infusion by IV.

Thanks both -very useful. Just wanted to double check I wasn’t going crazy, they’ve made me feel awful!

I can’t tolerate it either. Vile stuff. Between the nausea and the constipation. I found stone v helpful. Double dosed.

They’re really rough. I ended up doing just twice a day (once first thing in morning with orange juice then wait 30 mins before breakfast) and one before bed. Make sure taken with vit C. I was told they are quite harsh and 3 is actually a lot, so may be ok to start with 2 and see if that helps? My midwife said it was fine as I can move up to 3 once used to it.

I really struggled with ferrous sulphate, switched to ferrous fumerate and been so much better with it

Once a day is as good as 3x a day for iron tablets. If you still can't manage it, swap to one of the others like ferrous fumerate as different ones suit different people.

Go back to GP - they prescribe FS as it’s cheap but there are alternatives like ferrous fumerate.

Please try to persevere but speak to your GP about once a day or alternate day dosing. Lots of evidence now shows that due to non compliance and poor absorption once a day is the best option. Ferrous sulphate has the most amount of bio available iron so is the best form if you are deficit. I took mine after food and it really helped, no it is not recommended but it is better than not being able to take them.
Failing that ask for an anti sickness tablet to help.

Foul stuff. On top of all the hideous symptoms of anaemia you also get to contend with nausea, heartburn and constipation when you’re already feeling bloody awful. I had some success with Ferrograd tablets taken last thing at night. Didn’t really notice any side effects. Buy it over the counter, it’s cheaper.

I take ferrous fumerate with a vit C tablet (take that to ease the constipation from the iron) and have zero side effects

Iron tablets are horrible. I've found that other than ferrograd, ferrous sulphate suits me best so it really is a matter of trying different types i think. Ferrous fumerate gives me diarrhoea and iron bisglycinate has the opposite effect!

Thanks, all your comments and tips are so helpful. I wasn’t even aware other types were available as wasn’t mentioned. Will ask my GP on Monday!

I’m on ferrous fumerate but it’s still pretty grim. It may suit you better though! I just don’t do well w iron tablets, but my ferritin is 11, so…

Felt the same with ferrous sulfate, switched to ferrous gluconate and felt much better

Yes it was intolerable. Ferrous Gluconate was much better, albeit harder to source. Also check GP is aware of latest dosing advice which is much lower (fewer tablets and alternate days)