Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group

Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...

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OTC Iron Supplement

cadams76
cadams76
Hi Everyone,

I was at my GI's office Monday morning and they checked my blood (as they usually do every few months since I am on Apriso and Azathioprine for UC). Got a phone call from the nurse today stating that my iron levels were low and that the doctor wants me to start taking an over the counter iron supplement daily. Just wondering if any of you are currently taking one and could recommend any for me??? When I asked her if there was any that the doctor suggested, she told me to talk to the pharmacist. Any suggestions here would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Caryn
rmb
rmb
My GI actually doesn't want me to take an iron supplements because it's hard on your gut. I can't believe they didn't recommend one for you. Talking to the pharmacist is a good idea though, just tell him you have UC and ask if there's one you can take that won't be so hard on your system.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just take CVS brand, the bottle says Iron, 65 MG (325 MG ferrous sulfate). Since, I've been taking this, my blood levels have been ok despite all the blood I lose.
deleted_user
deleted_user
We tried several different otc iron supplements for my son, and found that they all caused him major grief (vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea). Then I read somewhere that folic acid helps the body absorb iron better... we tried it and voila!!! His iron is back to completely normal ranges. Another suggestion would be to eat iron rich foods like dark leafy veggies, dried fruit (raisins, prunes, apricots...).

Best wishes for your health,

L
deleted_user
deleted_user
Similar to ksager, I just take the Nature Made kind that you can get at Target. I take my daily pill when I have some food in my stomach and I haven't experienced any negative effects. There is a slow release version that is supposed to be better if the regular tablets upset your stomach, but it's more expensive, so it might be best to determine whether you have any issues before you go that route.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been on an iron suppliment for a while now (Ferrous Sulfate) 325mg. It can be rough on your gut. I take it three times a day with meals. Taking it with food seems to make a big difference with the discomfort. Something else that you might find helpful is that when shopping around price wise if you go to the Target pharmacy. They sell a 100 count bottle that isn't stocked on the shelves for $4 dollars. You just have to ask one of the pharmacy staff members for it. The brand is URL. This is the cheapest one I have been able to find.
imneiss
imneiss
I've always eaten the green leafy veggies - spinach salad, soups with chopped spinach in them etc.and yes raisins to munch on are good too! brings my levels right up!

My sister who has had CD bad - wasn't able to take iron - it caused her bowel issues (constipated mostly) she ended up getting shots which seemed to be fine.
Asking your pharmacist is smart they can point you in the right direction of a good supplement that will be absorbed.
Eating more iron rich foods will boost you quickly... Good luck! I loves me spinach! (Hate it cooked though...) lol!
buster2701
buster2701
Because I am anemic, i take a store brand of Iron, 65 MG (325 MG ferrous sulfateause. My GI dr told me to take it with a glass of orange juice which help the body absorb it iron. If you can tolerate the juice, chewable vitamin C tablets work also. Be prepared for the color of your stool to changed. It could cause constipation in some people but I have not had that problem. My UC is still doing the diarreha for me. Good luck.
rmb
rmb
Yep, I think if you can, adding iron rich foods to your diet will help ie iron fortified cereal.
cadams76
cadams76
Thanks to everyone for their helpful posts!
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