Best Way To Take Galfer

[april1693]

Over the last year I have suffered from heavy periods and ovulatory bleeding and as a result I've been prescribed Galfer as according to my go my Iron level is low. The only issue is the horrendous indigestion I have to endure as a side effect. I have never in all my days suffered pain so dibilitating, so much so that I have had to take time off from taking it. I have tried taking it with food, without food, at different times of day - you name it, but nothing stops the hot burning central chest pain that stabs like a knife.Has anyone ANY ideas how I can take Galfer, without the side effects? Many thanks x

[Buenchico]

Ferrous fumarate (Galfer) isn't the only iron supplement available, so there's almost certainly no need for you to continue taking it. Go back to your GP and ask about alternatives, such as ferrous gluconate:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-iron-deficiency-/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[april1693]

Thank you Buenchico I'm back with the doc next week and I wil be asking for an alternative, I'd rather have no Iron than this! X

[Maydup]

I was you 10years ago and I bought my own iron supplements from the local independent health shop. Not only were they gentle on the system but they were more easily absorbed, so super effective. They were Solgar chelated iron tablets -try them before you try more NHS fierce ferrous fumarates.

The blurb explains

Some iron supplements cause gastrointestinal irritation and constipating effects. This unique form of chelated iron (iron bisglycinate) is formulated for enhanced absorption and is gentle on your system.

Not cheap but worth every penny at about £10 a jar in the independent store or a bit less online.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Maydup]

PS can you tell me how many mg of iron your nasty tablets contain?

[Sqad]

I agree with the post of Buenchico.
For what reason are you taking the iron? Pregnant?
Ferrograd C or even injections ( depending on your Hb level) might be an alternative,

[Maydup]

Another option here

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/floradix-liquid-iron-formula-60087979

More expensive than your prescription, but shop around either online or in the High Street. Boots sell it, might be available in supermarkets. I only chose this link because it has plenty of user comments.

Another very effective but with its natural ingredients, more tolerable iron source.

Thankfully I'm beyond all that now, but I remember those heavy days well.

[april1693]

Maydup I'm on 305mg daily. Sqad I initially visited Gp because of heavy menstrual/ovulatory bleeding (definitely NOT pregnant!) and had lots of bloods done all normal except for haemoglobin - 9.1. I knew there was something wrong as I was experiencing dizziness and at times some shortness of breath.

[Scarlett]

It may not be enough but could you take iron in the form of Floradix? Also if you get indigestion could you try taking Omeprazole?