sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Iron overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information centre or emergency medical service.

    Have the package, the estimated number of missing tablets, the time of exposure, and the person’s age and weight available if known.

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Repeated or bloody vomiting
    • Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea
    • Confusion, extreme drowsiness, collapse, or a seizure
    • Trouble breathing
    • Pale, cold, or clammy skin
    • A very fast heartbeat or signs of severe weakness
    • Yellow skin or eyes after a recent overdose

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.

    Attend scheduled blood tests or appointments after discharge, even if the person feels better.

    Seek earlier medical review for recurring vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, poor appetite, or difficulty keeping food down.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for vomiting or pain to begin.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Get immediate poison advice for any suspected iron overdose, even if there are no symptoms.

In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 .

Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is very drowsy, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Iron overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.