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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Low Iron Levels

My mother has been having trouble keeping her iron levels up to normal. She had 3 IV Ferrlicet treatments about 2 months ago & that helped for a bit. However after her recent blood test her hemotologist discovered her iron levels are even lower than they were 2 months ago. He wants her to get 4 Venofer IV treatments but is still unsure why her iron levels keep dropping. Among other medications, she takes Zantac twice a day for acid reflux. She also drinks a lot of black tea. Is it possible the Zantac or the tea is contributing to the depletion of my mom s iron levels? I m concerned and want to help get her better.
Tue, 30 Jul 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Usually, low iron levels mean there is either a problem absorbing iron, or there is a loss of iron. The most common cause overall is iron loss through GI bleeding, which may not be known to the patient. So I would make sure to check her stool for any blood, and especially if positive, she may need a scope to look at her stomach and colon to look for the source of the bleeding.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Low Iron Levels

Hello, Usually, low iron levels mean there is either a problem absorbing iron, or there is a loss of iron. The most common cause overall is iron loss through GI bleeding, which may not be known to the patient. So I would make sure to check her stool for any blood, and especially if positive, she may need a scope to look at her stomach and colon to look for the source of the bleeding. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician