Can Cortisone Injection Cause Low Hemoglobin Levels?

Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Answered on

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a cortisone injection in my right hip 9/14. Thereafter I had very low hemoglobin levels resulting in hospitalization to obtain blood transfusions (2 pints). Now I have very low iron levels. Have had endoscopy and colonoscopy which were negative for issues. Can the blood issues be related to the hip injection?

Answered by Dr. Jyothi B L (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to cortisone injection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. The cortisone injection to right hip, could have been given for arthritis of hip joint.

2. A single injection given to hip, would not affect the bone marrow to result in low haemoglobin levels.

3. As haemoglobin levels are alone affected, and not white blood cells or platelets, bone marrow failure cannot be thought of. It appears to be nutritional or possible blood loss secondary to bleeding in the gut.

Serum iron studies and Vit B12 assay can confirm nutritional causes. Stool examination for gut bleeding would be helpful.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Jyothi BL

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj