Thirty students were reported to have experienced stomach aches and wooziness in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. This was right after the students were given ferrous sulfate as part of a health program.
The municipal administrator shared that they're normal side-effects
The incident happened in Pigcawayan National High School in Kidapawan, Cotabato.
The students were given ferrous sulfate as part of an adolescent health program, and soon after, reported that they felt dizzy and had stomach aches. They were immediately rushed to the town's rural health unit.
According to Jezler Garcesa, municipal administrator of Pigcawayan, "Ang nangyari nung Biyernes, mass giving ng ferrous sulfate galing sa DOH mismo at dinadaan sa DepEd at DepEd nurses ang nagbibigay ng gamot. May nag-report na may mga reactions and upon investigation, kasi nurse rin ako, ang report nausea ang naramdaman yung feeling ng nasusuka."
He went on to say that it's normal for them to experience dizziness and stomach aches after being given ferrous sulfate. "It is normal kasi ang ferrous, best taken on an empty stomach. 'Pag may discomfort sabayan ng pagkain. 'Yung iba na dinala sa center binigyan ng antacid para bumaba yung stomach acid, after that naging okay na," he added.
An investigation was also conducted, and it was found that the supplements were not expired.
Can ferrous sulfate be harmful?
Ferrous sulfate is a supplement that helps people with low iron in their blood. It helps the body develop more blood cells, and keeps a person in good health.
It's also best absorbed on an empty stomach, and usually taken one to two hours before meals.
Additionally, dizziness and sometimes stomach aches can also be side effects of taking this supplement. The effects are usually temporary as the body adjusts to the medication.
For the most part, ferrous sulfate supplements are safe and won't cause any harm. However, it's still important to consult your child's doctor if you're planning to give them any additional vitamin or mineral supplements for their health.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
Photo from: wikimedia commons
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