Ferrous Sulphate and Ferrous fumarate

[Marijn]

I usually have Ferrous Sulphate 200MG tablets on prescription, and take one a day. But I went to pick up my prescription from the chemist today and I've just realised he's given me Ferrous fumarate 210MG and the directions say take one twice a day.
Is this a mistake, or are they the same thing? And is it ok to take two of these fumarate tablets when I usually only have one Sulphate? Thank you.

[Sqad]

No big deal, although the chemist should, if possible prescribe exactly the GP prescription, from time to time it can be adjusted.

Take the two ferrous fumarate daily.

[lcg]

it may well be a mistake by the dispenser, rather than the originator (gp surgery). do go back to them and check, but the dose prescribed is fine and around the same - you'll be fine taking it x

[jkelly24]

I was originally prescribed ferrous sulphate but after taking them for a few months my GP swapped me to ferrous fumarate because he said they were kinder to the stomach, but I took the same dosage of each - 2 a day. You could always ask your GP or pharmacist if you're not sure.

[Marijn]

Thanks Sqad. They look horrible little brown things. My usual ones look like white Smarties and I can't taste them. The new ones look like the disgusting ones of my childhood that made me feel sick. Can you taste them?

[PringlesQueen]

Dried ferrous sulphate 200mg is equivalent to 65mg of elemental iron; ferrous fumurate 200mg is also equivalent to 65mg of elemental iron. Taking one twice a day of either sulphate or fumurate is a 'normal' maintenance dose.
I would go back to the pharmacy you got them dispensed at to see if a dispensing error has occured.
There is also a possibility that your GP could have increased your dose and changed the prescription to the fumurate which is gentler on your tummy.

[Marijn]

Thanks LCG and JKelly, I didn't see your answers before.

[Marijn]

Thanks Squsalminney. My doctor is definitely "not on the ball" enough to consider my tummy or my dosage. I think it's probably the pharmacist's mistake. And if you say that Mg to Mg they are both of the same strength, then I will definitely not be taking two of the fumarate. My Suplhate Mg were 200, and the fumarate are 210 anyway, so that's an icrease in strength in itself. Thanks again.