aranesp, tx, iron

[bety]

Once on tx and aranesp, should one stop iron supplements? bety

[patti]

Bety,

Transfusions will cause one to load up on iron but I also believe that EPO shots (aranesp/procrit) require a proper amount of iron to work. So ultimately, this is probably a question for the doctor.

If your husband becomes transfusion dependent make sure you watch his iron level. It’s been generally said on this forum that damage from iron overload takes ten years but that number is really dependent on a person’s age. Children and adults over 60 are much more sensitive to iron damage. We found out the hard way by letting mom’s iron go and she now has liver and kidney damage as a result. So I would just be aware of it and when it hits 1000 talk to the doctor about what your husband should do.

Patti

[bety]

Patti, Thanks. I very much appreciate your input.
bety

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husband,86, RARS dx July, 03. aranesp every two weeks not working. Started iron supplements again. Iron and ferritin levels are not elevated. Had his first tx last week (2 units packed rbc). Neupogen prn. Last hgb 7.3 Considering the low counts, he feels well…just dozes a bit during the day.

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