Hi,
My doctor just ordered a prescription iron supplement for me. I believe it’s 325 mg ferrous sulfate because my iron levels are low. I’m just curious as to if others taking it have had side effects, especially constipation. Thanks.
Chris
Hi,
My doctor just ordered a prescription iron supplement for me. I believe it’s 325 mg ferrous sulfate because my iron levels are low. I’m just curious as to if others taking it have had side effects, especially constipation. Thanks.
Chris
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Like several other supplements, iron pills irritate my pouch, so I usually get an iron infusion every year.
I take prescription iron (I also buy it OTC if I'm in a hurry) as I am still fighting anemia. I take one in the morning and one at night. No real side effects I notice besides making my stools very dark. I would definitely recommend eating it with something so it's a bit easier on your gut.
I cannot maintain my iron levels, even after taking oral supplementation. As a result, my levels are monitored every few months and I get an iron infusion. That seems to be the only way to get my levels up. When I took the tablets, I was fortunate to not have any GI upset. I have also read that it is important to couple your iron tablets with vitamin C because it helps the iron get absorbed (sadly, even this did not work for me). I wonder why we have the iron deficiency? Not everyone with a J-pouch has this. For me I suspect it is a low-level Crohns disease.
I gave up and resigned myself to this outcome.
just got my blood work results and after 6 months post iron infusion, iron levels and hemoglobin are still in range (low end)
I suspect that next check up in 6 months they will drop below normal, and next iron infusion will be needed.
I take so many meds daily, I just cannot fight every battle with this disease.
I've found liquid iron supplements easier to tolerate. Floradix Liquid Iron & Herbs was recommended by a dietician after my stage 1 operation. Available on Amazon. It doesn't taste terrible and I like that ai can control the dose
I take prescription iron, because the over-the-counter iron upsets my stomach. It's called Ferralet. No side effects for me. If you get side effects from the prescription iron you have, you may want to ask the doctor about Ferralet.
So no issues with the jpouch using the prescription Ferralet?
Is this prescribed by your GI or other doctor?
also may I ask if they prescribed this knowing it’s for people with sensitive GI systems?
just curious because I will be speaking g with my GI team this week and will ask them about this,
thank you
New577: No issues with the jpouch and Ferralet.
It was prescribed by my primary care physician when I was low on iron and told her that iron supplements upset my stomach.
I think she thought it wouldn't upset my stomach, but I'm not sure if that is its advertised purpose. I'm going to Google it to see. You may want to do that, too.
One caveat: There is no generic, and it's not covered by my insurance. It is $80 for 30 tablets at my pharmacy, so I take only 3 tablets a week. My iron levels are fine now.
P.S. It's full name is Ferralet 90.
Thank you very much for this information,
I will ask by GI team about this.
it might be worth trying and see if my iron levels can stabilize.
@New577 posted:Thank you very much for this information,
I will ask by GI team about this.
it might be worth trying and see if my iron levels can stabilize.
You're very welcome. I googled it, and Ferralet 90 does advertise that it is gentle on the GI system. Good luck, I hope it helps.
Thanks, Everyone! I’ve been taking my iron supplement for a little over a week. So far, no problems.
My iron levels were fine until I had treatment for breast cancer. My pcp told me yesterday that I don't have any iron stored so I'm going to try infusions to get my levels back up. I just got over major digestive issues from chemo so I really don't want to take anything that might bother my gut.
My iron level dropped about 1 1/2 yrs ago and my PCP also put me on FERROUS SULFATE 325 mg. I don't have any blockage issues with it. Although I do try to maintain a dark greens diet, liver for dinner and eggs for breakfast. I also down some Blackstrap Molasses (unsulphered) because of the iron content. Liver and eggs are very sporadic. Next PCP appt is May 1st and hopefully my level will be on par.
Steve
Iron Iv infusions may be good.