Cramps and diarrhea, is it due to iron?

Question

Hello! I am 30 weeks pregnant today. I have been taking an iron pill for 12 days because I have a little anemia. 1 a day at bedtime because I am already taking a medication where I have to be breakfast in the morning. I was warned that it could affect my digestion. For the past few days, I have noticed more cramps and I have more frequent bowel movements. No constipation. Stools a little softer. Today I had great abdominal pain, and I was having really frequent bowel movements. The pain would come and go and often get better after a bowel movement. I'm going to call the maternity to be sure, but I wanted to check with you if indeed after 12 days of taking iron, if the symptoms were "normal"? Or if usually after that number of days, one is not supposed to have them? Thanks in advance!

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, Madam, thank you for your question! Iron can indeed cause digestive discomfort. Although it most often causes constipation, loose stools are also possible. What I can suggest is to take the iron tablet with food , in the middle of the meal. It is possible that absorption is better if taken on an empty stomach, but if you suspect adverse effects, it is better to try taking it with food: you will then weigh the benefits and risks of a possible decrease in absorption versus stopping the treatment if it becomes intolerable.. However, I invite you to talk to your pharmacist who has more information than I do and who could see more clearly (for example, evaluate if a temporary suspension of iron is possible, or a change of form). I hope I've been helpful, and I'm available if you have any further questions Tom Samaha, pharmacist