Elemental Iron Usage

Elemental Iron is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and anemia due to chronic kidney disease.

How Elemental Iron works

Elemental Iron is an anti-anemic medication. It replenishes the iron stores in your body. Iron is vital for the formation of new red blood cells and hemoglobin, a substance that gives these cells the ability to transport oxygen.

Common side effects of Elemental Iron

Nausea, Abdominal cramp, Constipation, Epigastric pain, Diarrhoea

Expert advice for Elemental Iron

  Do not start or continue iron preparations (ferrous salts) and consult your doctor:   

• if you have allergy to iron supplements  
• if you have anemia not produced by iron deficiency  
• if you have bronze markings on your skin to show a buildup of too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis)  
• if you have or had any serious disease affecting the intestines, including stomach ulcers, inflammatory conditions of your bowel,   
• if you noticed blood in urine  
• if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars  

  Iron  injection can cause severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions or severely low blood pressure. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel light-headed (like you might pass out), or if you suddenly have trouble breathing   You should not receive iron injection  if you are allergic to it, or if you have a type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.    Do not use iron injection if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. Can I take iron tablets for life long/ How long can I take iron tablets for?
Iron supplement is advised in patients with iron deficiency or iron deficient anemia till the haemoglobin level becomes normal. Please consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. Can I take iron pills for anemia and iron deficiency?
Yes, iron pills are recommended for iron deficient anemia. It is not recommended for other types of anemia. Always consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. What can I take for iron supplement?
You can consume food items that are rich in iron content (like red meat, pork, poultry, seafood or beans, dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach), dried fruit (raisins and apricots), iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas, peas). Iron supplements (tables or capsules) available at pharmacy store are to be used for iron deficient anemia. Always consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. What can I take for iron deficiency anemia?
You can take iron supplement (ferrous fumarate/ferrous sulfate/ferrous gluconate) tablets to treat iron deficient anemia. Always consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. Can I take iron with vitamin C/ Vitamin D/ multivitamin/ folic acid?
Yes, iron and vitamin C/ Vitamin D/ multivitamin/ folic acid can be taken together. Taking vitamin C and iron together helps the body absorb the iron Always consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. Can I take iron with zinc?
No, iron supplement may alter the absorption of zinc, if given together

Ques. Q. Can I take iron with Tylenol?
Yes, patient can take Tylenol (paracetamol) with iron. However, always consult your doctor regarding its proper use

Ques. Q. Do iron supplements increase weight?
Taking iron supplements may cause weight gain

Ques. Q. Does iron tablets/syrup cause constipation/ acne?
Yes, consumption of iron in any form may cause constipation or acne. Please consult your doctor if you experience such side effects.