Medicines Used for Iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body does not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. It causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin. Heavy periods, pregnancy and bleeding in the gut are common causes, so a doctor needs to find the cause as well as treat the low iron.
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Medicines used for Iron deficiency anaemia
These active ingredients are in medicines whose approved uses include Iron deficiency anaemia. Brands are listed A to Z, not ranked. A doctor or pharmacist decides which medicine is right for you.
Ferrous ascorbate
- Orofer XT · VERIFY on pack tablet
Folic acid
- Orofer XT · VERIFY on pack tablet
Common questions
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?
Common signs are tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath, palpitations, pale skin and headaches. Less often there is a sore tongue, hair loss or brittle spoon-shaped nails. These have other causes too, so a doctor should check with a blood test.
What causes it?
The NHS lists heavy periods and pregnancy as very common causes, and bleeding in the stomach or bowel, for example from ulcers or from painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin. A doctor works out the cause, because treating low iron alone may not be enough.
How is it treated?
The NHS says iron tablets are recommended to replace missing iron, usually taken for about six months, with repeat blood tests to check levels. Eating iron-rich foods helps. Your doctor decides the treatment, so do not start or stop iron on your own.
Sources
- Iron deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)
- Iron. NHS (UK)