Why is it important to replace iron after my whole blood donation?

Women aged between 18 and 45 have higher requirements due to menstruation and pregnancy, making them more susceptible to becoming low in iron.

When you donate whole blood, you donate red cells, which are rich in iron. Replacing this iron is important for your wellbeing.

Can I replace my iron through diet?

It usually takes time to replace this iron by diet alone. Our studies have shown a short course of oral iron supplements containing 45mg of elemental1 iron or more is a more effective way of replacing the iron and restoring haemoglobin levels.

How can low iron affect my health?

If you are low in iron, you may:

• have less energy • have difficulty concentrating, and• find you can’t exercise to your full capacity.

Iron is required to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. If your iron level becomes too low, your haemoglobin levels drop. Low haemoglobin, called anaemia, may cause symptoms such as breathlessness and dizziness.

Do I have to take iron to continue donating?

No, but it is important that you consider your own health and wellbeing. If you feel whole blood donation is not for you, you may like to consider donating plasma which has a much smaller iron loss. Please ask one of our staff for more information or visit donateblood.com.au/learn/plasma.

What should I consider before taking iron?

Do not take iron supplements if you:• are allergic to iron or any ingredient listed in the

supplements, or • have haemochromatosis or an iron-overload condition.

Consult your doctor before taking iron if you have:• a history of any condition affecting the bowel or stomach • a history of bowel cancer or polyps, or• a family history of haemochromatosis.

You must tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:• are taking any medication or any other supplements or

multivitamins including pre-pregnancy supplements, or• have any health problems

If you are unsure about your suitability to take iron supplements please consult your doctor.

REPLENISHING IRON AFTER WHOLE BLOOD DONATIONImportant information for female donors aged 18–45 years

1. Elemental iron is the total amount of iron in the supplement available for absorption by your body.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service recommends women aged 18 to 45 years take a short course of iron supplements following every whole blood donation.

Thanks for being a blood donor.

INF-00005 V1 Information Sheet - Replenishing Iron after Whole Blood Donation Date effective: 12/03/2019

NAME ELEMENTAL IRON PER TABLET RECOMMENDED DOSE HOW TO TAKE (If instructions are not available)

FERRO-GRADUMET (Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd)

105mg 1 tablet a day for 14 days On an empty stomach

FERRO-GRAD C (Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd) 105mg 1 tablet a day for 14 days On an empty stomach

FERRO-TAB (AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd) 65.7mg 1 tablet a day for 20 days On an empty stomach

MALTOFER (Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd) 100mg 1 tablet a day for 30 days With food

When and how should I take a course of iron?

Start your supplements within seven days after your whole blood donation. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your pharmacist if you should take them with or without food. If advice is unavailable, refer to the last column of the table above.

Iron may interfere with the effectiveness of some medication. Tell your pharmacist if you are taking any medication or supplements so they can advise you the most suitable time of day to take the iron supplements.

Are there any side effects?

Most people don’t have side effects when they take iron, but some may experience:

• constipation • diarrhoea• heartburn

• upset stomach• nausea

Note: Iron supplements often turn bowel motions black. This is common and should resolve once you’ve finished your course.

Very rarely, allergic reactions may occur with rash, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face or lips. If any of these symptoms occur, seek urgent medical attention.

Recent studies suggest taking iron supplements every second day may be more effective. If you choose this option, you must still take the same total number of tablets recommended (e.g. 1 tablet of Ferro-gradumet every second day for 28 days).

Take this with you and ask the pharmacist to help you select a supplement.

This flyer and Frequently Asked Questions are available at donateblood.com.au/iron-health-women or call 13 14 95.Updates to recommendations on iron supplementation will be available at the above website.

IMPORTANT

• Don’t take a supplement for longer than recommended without consulting your doctor.

• Keep iron supplements out of sight and reach of children. If a child accidentally ingests the supplements, call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

• This recommendation is to help you replace the iron lost from donating. It is not intended as advice for the treatment of iron deficiency. If you think you may be low in iron or are concerned about your iron levels, you should consult your general practitioner.

What can I do if side effects occur?

• For an upset stomach, try taking your supplement in the evening, or with [or shortly after] food.

• For constipation, increase your fluid intake and the amount of fibre in your diet.

• Take one tablet every second day. • Try a different type of iron preparation.

If side effects persist, stop taking the iron supplement and consult your doctor.

Which supplement should I take?

There is a large variation in the amount of iron in different iron and multivitamin tablets. The Blood Service recommends using an iron supplement with a minimum of 45mg of elemental iron to reduce the length of time you need to take the tablets. The four iron-only supplements that meet these requirements are listed below2. Speak to your pharmacist to understand the differences between these supplements including how they are taken, side effects, interactions with other medicines and cost.

2. Products available at the time of printing.

INF-00005 V1 Information Sheet - Replenishing Iron after Whole Blood Donation Date effective: 12/03/2019