How does ferrous fumarate work?
Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. Iron is needed to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.
When your body does not have enough iron (iron deficiency anaemia), you can feel tired and lacking in energy. Other symptoms may include paler than usual skin, feeling out of breath and heart palpitations.
Taking ferrous fumarate will increase the iron levels in your blood and improve or prevent the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
When will I feel better?
Most people begin to feel better after around 1 week, but it may take up to 4 weeks for the medicine to work fully.
If you're taking ferrous fumarate to prevent anaemia you probably will not feel any different but that does not mean it is not working.
If you're taking ferrous fumarate on prescription, it's important to take it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Are there any long-term side effects?
It's safe to take ferrous fumarate for as long as you need to, provided that your doctor has said it's OK and you are not having any side effects.
How does it compare with other medicines for iron deficiency anaemia?
There are other types of iron, including ferrous sulphate and ferrous gluconate. There is little difference in how well they work when you take the same dose of iron.
If you have a side effect with one type of iron, it may not happen with another type.
Iron injections can also be used if tablets or liquid iron do not help, or if your iron levels are very low.
A doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the right treatment for you.
Will it give me more energy?
Lack of energy is a common symptom when you have iron deficiency anaemia. Having too little iron means your blood cannot carry enough oxygen around your body. This makes you feel tired.
Taking ferrous fumarate can give you more energy by boosting your iron levels. Your doctor may recommend a blood test after 2 to 4 weeks to see if it's working.
If you feel tired, but have not been diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia, it's important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking ferrous fumarate. This is because there may be other reasons why you lack energy.
A simple blood test will confirm whether you have anaemia, and your doctor will be able to discuss the results and any treatment with you.
Will it affect my contraception?
Ferrous fumarate will not stop any type of contraception working, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill and emergency contraception.
However, if ferrous fumarate makes you sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, you can. Ferrous fumarate does not affect you being able to drive or cycle.
Can I drink alcohol while taking ferrous fumarate?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking ferrous fumarate.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Some food and drink can stop your body absorbing iron. These include:
- tea and coffee
- milk and dairy products – such as yoghurt and cheese
- eggs
When you take ferrous fumarate (or when you eat foods that are high in iron), make sure you leave a 2 hour gap before having tea or coffee or any of these foods.
This will help your body take in the iron from ferrous fumarate or from food.
Can lifestyle changes help with iron deficiency?
If your diet is partly causing iron deficiency anaemia, eating more foods that are rich in iron can help.
Good sources of iron include:
- dark-green leafy vegetables like watercress and curly kale
- fortified cereals and bread (with added iron)
- meat
- pulses such as beans, peas and lentils
- nuts
- dried fruit such as dried apricots, prunes and raisins
- wholegrains such as brown rice