Low iron levels ... how long before iron tablets take effect pls

[millie1]

Have been feeling even worse than usual the last week - really dizzy/light-headed, tired etc etc. Turns out my Hb is 8.3 so I started on a double dose of Galfor yesterday. Anyone know how soon before I begin to feel the effects? Have spent yet another day just lying on the couch feeling like I'm on my last legs. Am 30w with twins. TIA

[LarryVeestAdamAntSpawnChorus]

My Hb was 8 about 6 weeks ago. I've been on iron tablets (300mg ferrous gluconate??) since then and now feel fabulous. I started feeling good about 3-4 weeks ago. Weirdly, I didn't feel noticeably bad before. I think I've been low in iron for a v long time, and I'd just got used to it! I feel like farking superwoman now

BTW I'm not pg.

[LarryVeestAdamAntSpawnChorus]

PS I take 2 x 300mg a day.

[millie1]

Thanks LarryVeestAdamAntSpawnChorus! Think I'm taking the 2 x 300mg daily also - can't be bothered going to look at pharmacy label! I'm hoping for a miracle cure ... and am praying I start to feel better within a few days, don't think I'll survive a few weeks of this! That said, it's good to know you feel like superwoman !

[TheDuchessOfNorksBride]

I always have low iron when pregnant, it takes about a week before a supplement takes effect. I'm doing better in this pregnancy as I've been taking Spatone every other day for last couple of months (I'm 32 weeks), midwife was impressed with the thick dark gloopy sample she took but I haven't had the result yet!

Remember to drink serious amounts of fluid and eat lots of fruit & fibre. This is no time to let your iron supplement cause constipation!

I would also recommend staying on a normal iron dose for at least a couple of months post-birth.

[babylove21]

i was prescribed iron tablets this week but when dp went to collect prescription from chemist was told they had been withdrawn? I think he said they began with ' Preg'

[Mumcentreplus]

I've had anemia for about 10yrs so count was always v low during pregnancy I had extreme sickness with Iron pills in my first pregnancy had to end up getting injections.. but would def. recommend Spatone (took during my second pregnancy)very easy for the body to absorb works quickly too

[LarryVeestAdamAntSpawnChorus]

Yes Spatone is good BUT 8.3 is really v low, and my doc basically said that Spatone on its own would be like pissing into the wind (I think there is something like 5mg per sachet). I'll be starting on the Spatone again when my iron levels are back up to normal. It'll hopefully prevent them drifting back down again.

[millie1]

Thanks all - hopefully a few more days and I should feel the effects .

Yes, I was told the same about Spatone which I've been taking for about a month or more. Apparently it's great at keeping your iron levels up if they're good to begin with but not effective at raising a low blood level.

Shall remember about fluids, fruit (and lactulose!!) - thanks!

[RosieFree]

I’ve had anaemia for over ten years. My hb was 2.2 at one point. Took the ferrous fumarate for about a week but they’re incredubly strong so swapped to Holland and Barrats iron tablets which have 17mg I think and I took feroglobin (the fizzy tablet) about twice and day and have felt steady since