Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements
(HealthDay News) -- If you are anemic or need iron supplements for another reason, taking the pills can be difficult.
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to make taking iron supplements a little easier:
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Take the pills with food.
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Gradually work your way up to the number of pills your doctor prescribed each day. Start out with one a day, then after three to five days, begin increasing the amount until you've reached the daily dose recommended by your doctor.
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If iron pills make you constipated, add fiber to your daily diet.
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If the pills make your stomach upset, don't take them before you go to sleep.
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If a particular brand causes problems, ask your doctor about different brands or formulas.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sylvia Byrd, RN, BSN, MBA
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Annual Review Date:
4/23/2008