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Suggest Iron Supplements Suitable For A Cancer Survivor

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Posted on Mon, 28 May 2018
Question: my wife has iron def. anemia she also is a cancer surviver what iron should she take
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Answered by Dr. Eni (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Ferrous sulphate 200mg three times a day for at least 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,
I have read your question and I understand your concern for your wife.
The fact that she has a history of cancer does not interfere with her iron deficiency treatment.
I would recommend ferrous sulphate, as stated above.
It is often associated with Vitamin C supplements, which you can have over the counter at the nearest pharmacy. Iron supplements are better absorbed with an empty stomach, but if your wife has a lot of gastro-intestinal irritation, she can take the tablet after her meal.
She will start to feel better a week after she has taken the first dose, and she will need to check her CBC every month. When the normal values are reached, then she will have to continue the iron supplements for three more months to replenish the iron stores.
She may experience side effects such as gastro-intestinel irritation, pain in the stomach, dark stool due to the supplements, but you do not have to worry about this. It is a normal side effect.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health!
Manoku Eni M.D.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Eni

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 320 Questions

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Suggest Iron Supplements Suitable For A Cancer Survivor

Brief Answer: Ferrous sulphate 200mg three times a day for at least 3 months Detailed Answer: Dear patient, I have read your question and I understand your concern for your wife. The fact that she has a history of cancer does not interfere with her iron deficiency treatment. I would recommend ferrous sulphate, as stated above. It is often associated with Vitamin C supplements, which you can have over the counter at the nearest pharmacy. Iron supplements are better absorbed with an empty stomach, but if your wife has a lot of gastro-intestinal irritation, she can take the tablet after her meal. She will start to feel better a week after she has taken the first dose, and she will need to check her CBC every month. When the normal values are reached, then she will have to continue the iron supplements for three more months to replenish the iron stores. She may experience side effects such as gastro-intestinel irritation, pain in the stomach, dark stool due to the supplements, but you do not have to worry about this. It is a normal side effect. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health! Manoku Eni M.D.