Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Ferrous gluconate as follows:
- Oral Ferrous gluconate intake can result in gastric upset, slowing of bowel movements, and exacerbation of constipation episodes, especially in individuals with history of the same. Observe compliance with recommendation for liberal fluid intake, while you are continuing on Ferrous gluconate, to prevent slowing of bowels. Consult your physician for any recommendation regarding stool softeners/laxatives, while you are continuing on Ferrous gluconate. Observe compliance with the recommendation made, to prevent episodes of constipation from developing.
- Ferrous gluconate can take some time to fairly adjust to your body and reach a therapeutic level in your blood, before producing the desired results. Do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
- Observe compliance with dietary measures to include more iron-enriched food items in the diet, as recommended by your physician. Iron enriched meats could include chicken liver, oysters, clams, mussels, white meat of chicken & turkey, red meat of beef & lamb, pork, and ham. Legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans, green leafy vegetables such as, kale and spinach, nuts & seeds such as, cashew, almonds, and macadamia nuts, vegetables such as, potatoes, soybeans, tofu, tomatoes, and mushroom are all decent vegetable sources of iron.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolved and worsening symptoms of anemia, such as, pale skin and mucus membranes, exacerbation of shortness of breath, and weakness or continuing unpleasant side-effects. Your dosage on the medication could be revised or alternative plan of action could be considered.
