Anemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Anemia is a low number of red blood cells or a low amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. Red blood cells use iron to create hemoglobin. Anemia may develop if your body does not have enough iron. It may also develop if your body does not make enough red blood cells or they die faster than your body can make them.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You lose consciousness.
- You have severe chest pain.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have dark or bloody bowel movements.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is used for B12 Nutritional Deficiency, pernicious anemia, schilling test, vitamin b12 ...
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is used for anemia, dietary supplementation, drug induced vitamin/mineral deficiency ...
Otezla
Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers ...
Procrit
Procrit is a man-made protein used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy ...
Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12 injection is used to treat pernicious anemia. Includes Vitamin B12 side effects ...
Multivitamin with iron
Multivitamin with iron systemic is used for anemia, vitamin/mineral supplementation and deficiency
Epoetin alfa
Epoetin alfa systemic is used for anemia, anemia due to chronic kidney disease, anemia prior to ...
Ferrous sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Includes ferrous sulfate side effects ...
Aranesp
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is used to treat anemia - a lack of red blood cells in the body ...
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are worse, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Iron or folic acid supplements help increase your red blood cell and hemoglobin levels.
- Vitamin B12 injections may help boost your red blood cell level and decrease your symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider how to inject B12.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent anemia:
Eat healthy foods rich in iron and vitamin C. Nuts, meat, dark leafy green vegetables, and beans are high in iron and protein. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges and other citrus fruits. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of other foods that are high in iron or vitamin C. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
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Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Anemia
Treatment options
- Medications for Anemia
- Medications for Anemia Associated with Iron Deficiency
- Medications for Anemia Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Medications for Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease
- Medications for Anemia of Unspecified Nutritional Deficiency
- Medications for Anemia, Chemotherapy Induced
- Medications for Anemia, Folate Deficiency
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.