Ferrous Fumarate 210mg – 84 Tablets

Ferrous fumarate 210mg tablets are an iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia. Each tablet provides around 69mg of elemental iron to help restore healthy iron levels and ease the tiredness and weakness that low iron can cause.

£4.99

Ferrous Fumarate 210mg

What is ferrous fumarate?

Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron used to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia. Each ferrous fumarate 210mg tablet provides around 69mg of elemental iron, which your body uses to make haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It is one of the most widely used iron supplements because it is well absorbed and suits most people.

What is ferrous fumarate used for?

Ferrous fumarate is used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia and to prevent it in people at higher risk – for example during pregnancy, with heavy periods, after blood loss or surgery, or where the diet is low in iron. Topping up iron stores helps relieve the tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and pale skin that low iron can cause. If you think you may be anaemic, it is best to have it confirmed with a simple blood test from your doctor.

How to take ferrous fumarate 210mg

  • Treating iron deficiency: the usual dose is one 210mg tablet two to three times a day, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Preventing iron deficiency: one 210mg tablet once or twice a day.
  • Take with water, ideally on an empty stomach for best absorption – but if it upsets your stomach you can take it with food.
  • Vitamin C helps absorption – a glass of orange juice with your tablet can help your body take up the iron.
  • Avoid taking it at the same time as tea, coffee, milk, indigestion remedies (antacids) or calcium supplements, which reduce iron absorption – leave a couple of hours either side.

Keep taking the tablets for as long as your doctor advises – usually for several months after your iron levels return to normal, to rebuild your body’s iron stores.

How long does ferrous fumarate take to work?

Most people start to feel less tired within a couple of weeks, but it takes longer to fully restore your iron stores. Haemoglobin usually improves over about 2 to 4 weeks, and treatment normally continues for up to 3 months after levels are back to normal. Your doctor may arrange a repeat blood test to check your progress.

Ferrous fumarate side effects

Iron tablets are generally well tolerated, but some people get tummy-related side effects, especially at higher doses. These can include:

  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick (nausea) or stomach discomfort
  • Dark or black stools – this is harmless and expected with iron

Taking the tablets with food can help if they upset your stomach. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if side effects are troublesome or do not settle.

Ferrous fumarate vs ferrous sulfate

Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are both oral iron salts used to treat iron deficiency – the main difference is the amount of elemental iron per tablet and how well each is tolerated. Ferrous fumarate 210mg provides a similar amount of iron to ferrous sulfate 200mg, and some people find one gentler on the stomach than the other. Either is effective; if one does not suit you, ask your pharmacist about alternatives.

Who should take care with iron tablets

Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking ferrous fumarate if you:

  • Have a stomach or bowel condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or an ulcer
  • Have had repeated blood transfusions or a condition that causes iron overload
  • Are taking other medicines (iron can affect how some antibiotics and thyroid or Parkinson’s medicines are absorbed)

Important: iron can be very dangerous in overdose, particularly for children. Keep these tablets out of the sight and reach of children, and seek immediate medical help if anyone takes too many.

Buy ferrous fumarate 210mg online

Order ferrous fumarate 210mg iron tablets from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy, with discreet delivery. If you are not sure whether you need an iron supplement, our pharmacy team is happy to advise – customerservice@buryhealthcareonline.co.uk or 0161 222 1024.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Ferrous fumarate FAQs

Is ferrous fumarate the same as iron?
Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron. Each 210mg tablet provides about 69mg of elemental iron – the amount your body absorbs and uses to make red blood cells.
When is the best time to take ferrous fumarate?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, about an hour before food or two hours after. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. A drink of orange juice (vitamin C) helps absorption; avoid taking it at the same time as tea, coffee, milk or antacids.
How long does ferrous fumarate take to work?
Many people feel less tired within a couple of weeks. Haemoglobin usually improves over 2 to 4 weeks, and treatment is often continued for up to 3 months after iron levels return to normal to rebuild your stores.
Can you buy ferrous fumarate over the counter?
Yes, ferrous fumarate 210mg iron tablets can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. If you think you may be anaemic, it is best to have it confirmed with a blood test from your doctor first.
What is the difference between ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate?
Both are oral iron salts used to treat iron deficiency. They provide similar amounts of elemental iron (210mg ferrous fumarate is comparable to 200mg ferrous sulfate), and some people tolerate one better than the other. Either is effective.
Does ferrous fumarate cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a recognised side effect of ferrous fumarate. If anything, correcting iron-deficiency anaemia tends to improve energy levels.
Why does ferrous fumarate turn your stools black?
Dark or black stools are a normal, harmless effect of taking iron and are nothing to worry about. They return to normal once you stop the tablets.
How many ferrous fumarate 210mg tablets can I take a day?
For treating iron deficiency the usual dose is one tablet two to three times a day; for prevention it is one tablet once or twice a day. Do not exceed the dose your doctor or pharmacist recommends, and keep iron tablets well away from children.

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