Iron supplements: A personal experience

The onset of symptoms

I often felt general weakness, lethargy, and a desire to sleep continuously. I did not worry much about these symptoms, as they did not affect my daily activity or academic achievement. I am an outstanding and distinguished student. I also exercise several times weekly, and my athletic activity has not been affected. So, when the vertigo and dizziness I often felt turned into frequent fainting, I was shocked; I didn't think I had any severe health problems.

After I fainted and fell while at school, I went to the doctor, who requested extensive blood work that showed I suffered from an iron deficiency and low hemoglobin levels. And it turns out that I also have a folic acid deficiency, which explains the general fatigue that I feel often.

Treatment

My family was very worried, especially after I fell to the ground several times due to dizziness, and they asked the doctor to prescribe intravenous treatment to compensate for the iron deficiency. However, the doctor rejected this option, which might result in some severe side effects. He prescribed me iron and folic acid supplements. He advised me to modify my diet and eat iron-rich foods like red meat and green leafy vegetables. He also committed me to taking iron supplements to treat anemia.

On our way back from the doctor's office, loaded with supplements and medications, we stopped at a healthy juice shop to buy fresh beetroot and orange juice, rich in iron and vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption in the body. This juice became my daily companion for several weeks.

My experience with iron supplements

The next day, I actively began taking the supplements that the doctor prescribed, at the dose and at the time he advised me. I started to feel better after a few days, especially since I began to care about my food. I started to eat healthy foods that contained more iron than before, so I began to eat red meat. Although I didn't like its taste, I committed to eating a salad rich in green leafy vegetables, such as arugula and parsley.

However, about two weeks into my iron treatment, I noticed a rash on my face and hands. Then, one morning, I woke up with my face so swollen that I couldn't open my eyes. I took an anti-allergy medication, and the swelling began to subside after a few hours. I checked with my doctor, who told me that it seemed that I was allergic to the iron supplements he prescribed for me, and he changed the prescription to another medication.

Indeed, things were fine for several days, but the same allergy symptoms reappeared several days later. I saw another doctor, and this time, he prescribed me another medication to treat iron deficiency, which I took for a few days until the allergy symptoms and swelling of the face, lips, and eyes appeared again. Then, I decided to stop taking supplements to treat iron deficiency and get iron from natural sources such as beetroot juice, meat, spinach, and legumes.

Do iron supplements cause an allergic reaction?

Iron supplements used to treat anemia are considered safe in most cases, and they are even given to pregnant and breastfeeding women if they suffer from iron deficiency. However, in some rare cases, an allergic reaction may happen, with symptoms such as itching, rash, and swelling of the face, hands, and eyes. In some cases, shortness of breath may occur, which requires going to the hospital immediately.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is a common and annoying condition that can be treated through supplements prescribed by a doctor and by improving one's diet. In rare cases, medications to treat iron deficiency may cause an allergic reaction with various symptoms. It is important to immediately stop taking any medication that causes an allergic reaction and see a doctor for medical advice and alternative treatment.