Iron pills are LIKELY SAFE for the majority of people when they are taken by mouth in proper quantities. However, it can cause side effects consisting of stomach upset and pain, constipation or diarrhea, queasiness, and vomiting.
Taking iron supplements with food seems to lower a few of these side effects. However, food can also reduce how well the body absorbed iron. Iron ought to be handled an empty stomach if possible. If it causes a lot of side effects, it can be taken with food. Attempt to prevent taking it with foods consisting of dairy items, coffee, tea, or cereals.
What Are Side Effects of Iron Pills?
Check with your doctor as quickly as possible if any of the following side effects take place:
More typical
- Backache, groin, side, or muscle pain
- chest pain
- chills
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- fever with increased sweating
- flushing
- headache
- metallic taste
- nausea or vomiting
- numbness, pain, or tingling of hands or feet
- pain or soreness at injection site
- soreness of skin
- skin rash or hives
- swelling of mouth or throat
- distressed breathing
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- cramping (continuing) or pain
Less typical or unusual
- Double vision
- basic unwell sensation
- weakness without feeling dizzy or faint
Less common or unusual
- Chest or throat pain, particularly when swallowing
- stools with signs of blood (red or black color)
Early symptoms of iron overdose
- Diarrhea (may include blood)
- fever
- nausea
- stomach pain or cramping (sharp)
- vomiting, severe (may consist of blood)
Late symptoms of iron overdose
- Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, and palms of hands
- convulsions (seizures)
- pale, clammy skin
- shallow and rapid breathing
- unusual exhaustion or weak point
- weak and fast heart beat
Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects might disappear during treatment as your body adapts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional might be able to tell you about ways to prevent or decrease a few of these side effects. Contact your healthcare expert if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Constipation
- diarrhea
- leg cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
Less common
- Darkened urine
- heartburn
- stained teeth
Other side effects not listed may also take place in some patients. If you discover other results, contact your healthcare expert.
Also read: Does Iron Pills Make Your Poop Black?
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Iron is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women who have enough iron stored in their bodies when used in doses listed below the bearable upper consumption level (UL) of 45 mg per day of elemental iron. The UL is the highest level of intake at which no damaging side effects are expected. However, iron is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high dosages. If you do not have iron deficiency, do not take more than 45 mg each day of elemental iron daily. Higher dosages regularly cause stomach and digestive tract side effects such as queasiness and vomiting. High levels of hemoglobin at the time of delivery are related to bad pregnancy results. Hemoglobin is the particle in red blood cells that contains iron.
Diabetes: There is issue that a diet that is high in iron might increase the risk of heart disease in women with type 2 diabetes, although this has actually not been shown. If you have diabetes, discuss your iron consumption with your doctor.
Stomach or digestive tract ulcers: Iron might cause inflammation and make these conditions even worse. Use iron with care.
Digestive tract swelling, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: Iron might cause irritation and make these conditions worse. Use iron with care.
Hemoglobin disease, such as thalassemia: Taking iron may cause iron overload in individuals with these conditions. If you have a hemoglobin disease, do not take iron unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Premature infants: Giving iron to premature infants with low blood levels of vitamin E can cause serious problems. The vitamin E deficiency need to be remedied before giving iron. Talk with your healthcare provider before providing iron to a premature baby.
What Others Say about Side Effects from Taking Iron Supplements?
Q: Has anyone had side effects from taking iron supplements? I was told to take Palafer. This is my 3rd day taking it and I simply had actually stomach cramping followed by upset stomach then diarrhea. I type of have this tight sensation in my throat and chest also (not sure if it’s associated). Has this happened to any of you?
A1: I began an iron supplement on Friday. By Saturday night, I was very sick, tossing up, and diarrhea. My doctor is certain that it was simply a stomach virus however that’s certainly a weird coincidence if it was. I have not taken it given that and I do not want to now. They cautioned me that it can cause your stomach to be upset though. Hope you feel much better!
A2: I just began taking iron supplements in addition to my prenatal. Last week my doctor notified me that I’m a little anemic. I’m taking 27mg of iron in a chewable tablet daily. I have a weird sort of metallic taste in my mouth constantly now. My doctor alerted me that it might constipate me however I have not experienced that yet. No cramping or diarrhea either.
