Taking iron supplements for iron deficiency

What is iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, means your body doesn’t have enough iron. Without enough iron, your body’s red blood cells can’t carry enough oxygen through your body.

What are symptoms of iron deficiency?

People with iron deficiency often feel tired and short of breath.

Iron deficiency can also cause headaches, irritability, muscle cramps, pale skin, and other symptoms.

How do iron supplements work?

Iron supplements are pills, capsules, or chewable tablets that you swallow to increase the amount of iron in your body.

How and when should I take iron supplements?

To help your body absorb the iron as best it can, take your iron supplements:

• Separately from (at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after) drinking coffee/tea or eating a meal, foods high in calcium or fiber, or eggs
• Separately from (at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after) taking antacids
• With 250mg of vitamin C (or half a glass of orange juice)

Some people find that taking iron supplements along with a small amount of food, like a few crackers or a piece of fruit, helps prevent an upset stomach.

How will I know if the iron supplements are working?

Once you’ve been taking the supplements for about 4 weeks, your Firefly care team will ask you to get blood drawn to recheck your iron levels.

Reach out to your care team.

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