HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Do Iron Supplements Help In Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia?

default
Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Question: My hemoglobin is 6.4 I did not want to get a blood transfusion so my doctor suggested a iron infusion 5 times within 14 days. will this help my hemoglobin level go up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
can be used

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different causes and types of anemia but if you have iron deficiency anemia, and this is likely since you are on oral iron supplements, the iv iron can be used to help improve your Hb.

Iv iron infusion is mostly used if: (1) a person cannot tolerate the GI upset and any other side effects of oral iron
(2)there is continued blood loss
(3)person wants to increase iron levels very quickly
(4)there is a disease or condition affecting/decreasing the absorption of oral iron

In general, the Hb should start rising by week 1 to 2 after treatment, it is a slow increase.
Iron levels themselves are not done till at least 4 weeks after the infusion because iv iron interferes with this blood test.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Do Iron Supplements Help In Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Brief Answer: can be used Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different causes and types of anemia but if you have iron deficiency anemia, and this is likely since you are on oral iron supplements, the iv iron can be used to help improve your Hb. Iv iron infusion is mostly used if: (1) a person cannot tolerate the GI upset and any other side effects of oral iron (2)there is continued blood loss (3)person wants to increase iron levels very quickly (4)there is a disease or condition affecting/decreasing the absorption of oral iron In general, the Hb should start rising by week 1 to 2 after treatment, it is a slow increase. Iron levels themselves are not done till at least 4 weeks after the infusion because iv iron interferes with this blood test. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions