Side effects of oral iron treatment

Side effects are the main reasons why there is poor compliance.

• taking the dose after meals may reduce the side effects
• gastrointestinal side effects are not dose related
• modified release preparations should be avoided since iron is often released after passing the small bowel absorption site (1).

Common side effects associated with oral iron therapy include:

• nausea
• abdominal discomfort
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhoea
• turn faeces black
• with parenteral injections
• iv injections of iron should not be given to patients with a history of asthma - allergic reactions can occur; these may occur, though less readily, with im iron injections
• thrombophlebitis
• metallic taste in the mouth
• hypotension
• bradycardia
• arthralgia
• myalgia
• lymph node enlargement

Reference:

• (1) Provan D. (2010). Iron deficiency anaemia. ABC of clinical haematology