Hello, my iron level is low and my doctor prescribed the medication Sulfate Ferreux 300 mg (small red pills). This should also help my restless legs syndrome which occurs in the evening when I am sitting quietly. The pharmacist says to take this medication in the evening, but it is mentioned that it must be taken on an empty stomach. When exactly should I take it? But if I take the medication in the evening, I am not fasting because I ate dinner, am I wrong? if I take it with food, he told me to avoid dairy products, but I don't know if there is anything else to avoid with food Thank you very much for your follow up Excellent!!! It answers my question very well! A big thank you and have a great day :)

When is the best time to take the iron?

49-year-old woman2 years ago

Hello, my iron level is low and my doctor prescribed the medication Sulfate Ferreux 300 mg (small red pills). This should also help my restless legs syndrome which occurs in the evening when I am sitting quietly. The pharmacist says to take this medication in the evening, but it is mentioned that it must be taken on an empty stomach. When exactly should I take it?

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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Thank you for your question!

With all due respect, the pharmacist may have told you to take it at bedtime to ensure you take it on an empty stomach.

That being said, iron can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as cramps or constipation. If this happens to you, I would advise you to take it with food, as it is better to take it with food and risk a small decrease in absorption than to risk you not taking it at all :)

Did your pharmacist mention what foods to avoid if you take it with food?

49-year-old woman · 2 years ago

But if I take the medication in the evening, I am not fasting because I ate dinner, am I wrong?

if I take it with food, he told me to avoid dairy products, but I don't know if there is anything else to avoid with food

Thank you very much for your follow up

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Thanks for the feedback! Fasting means 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after. That being said, adding a medication to your daily routine is quite difficult, so the most important thing will be to try to incorporate it into your regular routine, and we'll adjust afterwards, if needed :)

For the dairy products, it's to space out the iron and calcium intake, as it's possible that the iron is less well absorbed. Coffee and tea should be added to this list, as they can also decrease iron absorption.

I hope I've been helpful, and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions

Tom Samaha, pharmacist

49-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Excellent!!! It answers my question very well! A big thank you and have a great day :)

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

With pleasure, good day to you too!

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Naji-tom Samaha

Pharmacien depuis 2011, clinicien associé et tuteur de laboratoire de pratique professionnelle à l'Université de Montréal, j'ai développé un grand intérêt pour la communication en santé. Les gens recherchent plus d'informations que jamais sur Internet, ce site offre un accès innovant aux professionnels de la santé les plus accessibles du réseau, et j'y embarque sans hésitation pour aider à partager mes connaissances.

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