Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate is a supplement used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. This condition occurs when you don't have enough red blood cells, which means your body doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. While anaemia can be caused by a lack of folate or B12, iron deficiency is the most common reason.

There are several reasons why you might have low iron levels in your blood, such as pregnancy, losing blood, or not eating enough iron-rich foods. A blood test can often show if iron deficiency anaemia is behind your symptoms. These symptoms typically include feeling tired, looking pale, experiencing shortness of breath, and having irregular heartbeats, known as palpitations.

Iron is a mineral that assists your body in producing red blood cells. Many factors can lead to low iron levels. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines, similar to bowel cancer and stomach ulcers. This type of bleeding is a common reason for iron deficiency anaemia in men and postmenopausal women.

For women of childbearing age, heavy periods can lead to low iron levels. Pregnancy can also cause low iron because your body requires more to support your baby.

Ferrous sulfate helps by raising the iron levels in your blood. With more iron, your body can produce more haemoglobin, which is an essential protein for red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells ensure that oxygen can move from your lungs to various parts of your body.

Ferrous sulfate comes in 200mg film-coated tablets. To help prevent anaemia, the typical dose is one tablet daily.

To treat low iron levels, it's recommended to take 2 tablets three times a day. However, the exact amount you'll need depends on your initial iron levels. A healthcare professional will typically want to see a recent blood test or a diagnosis of iron deficiency from your GP to determine how much Ferrous sulfate you should take.

There are various ways to treat an iron deficiency. A healthcare professional may inquire about your diet and look into other potential causes of your anaemia before determining the most suitable treatment for you.

Oral iron treatment is typically the first choice for helping people increase low iron levels.

Ferrous sulfate is a generic medicine, named after its active ingredient. You can also find this ingredient in Ferrograd tablets, which function similarly to Ferrous sulfate but are available in a slow-release form. This means they work gradually over 24 hours. Ferrograd tablets contain a higher dose of ferrous sulfate than the generic version and might be a better choice if you prefer branded medicines.

Another similar supplement is Ferrous fumarate. It functions much like Ferrous sulfate and comes in two different strengths. This can be helpful if you need to increase your iron intake without changing your medication.

Regularly taking ferrous sulfate won't affect your contraceptive methods. This applies to the combined pill, the mini pill, and emergency contraception.

Sometimes, ferrous sulfate can upset your stomach. If the supplements make you feel unwell or you have severe diarrhoea lasting more than a day, it could affect how well your contraceptive works, as it might not be absorbed properly.

If this occurs, you may need to take an additional contraceptive pill or use condoms for added protection. You can speak to one of our clinicians for further guidance, or visit a sexual health clinic or pharmacy if you require urgent assistance.

Every medicine can lead to side effects, but that doesn't mean you'll experience them. Everyone reacts differently to Ferrous sulfate. It's a good idea to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the tablets for a complete list of possible side effects.

People have reported experiencing stomach pain, an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and nausea. Taking the tablets on an empty stomach might not agree with you. If this happens, have a chat with a clinician about trying a different iron supplement.

If you think you're having an allergic reaction to the tablets, get medical help straight away.

Ferrous sulfate supplements are a type of medication you can get at the pharmacy. You'll need to speak with a pharmacist before you can purchase them over the counter.

Our clinicians provide prescriptions for all our medications. They'll ensure that Ferrous sulfate is the right choice for managing or preventing your low iron levels. While some iron supplements can be bought without a prescription, they might not have the right dosage needed to improve your condition.