What should you know about over the counter iron pills?

Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Low iron may cause tiredness, breathlessness on exertion, headaches, pale skin, or restless legs, but these symptoms have other possible causes. Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, limited dietary intake, or reduced absorption can contribute. Ongoing blood loss needs investigation rather than being covered up with supplements. A blood test can help distinguish iron deficiency from other types of anaemia and show whether treatment is appropriate.

Use the product directions or a clinician's plan and do not combine several iron products without checking. Nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and dark stools can occur. Keep tablets away from children because an accidental large ingestion can be dangerous. Tell a pharmacist about thyroid medicine, antibiotics, antacids, and supplements, as spacing may be needed. Take note of menstrual flow, diet, and symptoms so the cause and response can be reviewed. Iron-rich foods can support nutrition, but they may not replace treatment when deficiency is confirmed.

Arrange medical review for marked fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or very heavy menstrual bleeding. Seek urgent help for fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, vomiting blood, or black tarry stools. Contact a clinician if side effects stop you taking iron or symptoms do not improve, because the diagnosis or cause may need reconsideration.

Ask whether you need blood tests, what may be causing low iron, which preparation and dose suit you, and when to repeat testing. Discuss menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, digestive symptoms, and medicines that could interfere.