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Iron counselling with anticoagulant — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateGI TherapeuticsIron counselling with anticoagulantGPhC CRA

A 69-year-old woman is prescribed ferrous sulfate 200mg daily for iron-deficiency anaemia. She reports black stools after three doses but no abdominal pain, dizziness or visible blood. She takes apixaban for AF. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: C — Explain black stools can occur, but safety-net for bleeding symptoms

Iron commonly darkens stools, but anticoagulant use means bleeding symptoms must be taken seriously. The absence of red flags supports counselling rather than automatic discontinuation. The pharmacist should advise what symptoms require urgent review, such as melaena with dizziness or bleeding.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS