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Patient handout · Hematology / Oncology

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Your Iron Pill Guide

Anemia means your blood has too few healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Low iron is a common cause. Iron-rich foods and iron pills help your body make new red blood cells.

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Know the signs

  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat when you are active
  • Craving ice

Eat iron-rich foods

  • Red meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens
  • Cereals and breads with added iron
  • Eat them with vitamin C foods, such as oranges, tomatoes, or strawberries. Vitamin C helps your body take in iron.

Take your iron pill the right way

  • Take it 1 hour before a meal, with water or orange juice.
  • If it upsets your stomach, take it with a little food.
  • Keep milk, tea, coffee, calcium pills, and antacids (Tums) 2 hours away from your iron.
  • Liquid iron: drink it through a straw, then rinse your mouth. This protects your teeth.
  • Keep taking it until your provider says to stop, even when you feel better.

Expect some changes

  • Dark green or black stools are normal with iron.
  • For constipation: drink more fluids, eat more fiber, and stay active. Ask about a stool softener.

Keep iron away from children

  • Iron pills are a leading cause of deadly poisoning in young children. Store them in a child-proof bottle, out of reach.

Call your provider today if you have

  • Black, sticky, tar-like stools without dizziness. This can be a sign of bleeding.
  • Constipation or an upset stomach that stops you from taking iron
  • More tiredness or shortness of breath

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have

  • Chest pain
  • Black, sticky, tar-like stools with dizziness, weakness, or fainting. This is a sign of serious bleeding.
  • Fainting or severe trouble breathing
  • A child who swallowed iron pills: call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or your local poison center right away, even if the child seems fine

This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.

For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →