iron deficiency

[Capncrunch]

Hi,

i was wondering anyone who has iron deficiency, and how is it treated? Is it through pills or injection? And how many milligrams in pills or injection? I get mines through injections, but I was wondering if pills would be better.

[MaryD]

The only times (twice) there has been real concern at my iron levels, I've had infusions.  You sit there with an IV in your arm for hours.  Occasionally I've been put on iron tablets, but I hate them and they are apparently very slow.  Don't know which is worse the iron tablets or the infusion.   

[Angiepkd]

I am on an iron pill. So far it seems to be working for me, but if it doesn't, I was told I would need IV iron.  From what I understand, the pills aren't as effective as the injectable iron.

[Chris]

I have had infusion, pills, and recently a small liquid you swallow while in the hospital. I do not remember what dosage I was on while on dialysis, but I am taking OTC dose post transplant.
 
While on dialysis infusions were given first while at the dialysis center and after a few infusions I was taking a prescription. I then was weened off the infusion and took only the pills for a short time. So if your taking plenty of meds already, stay with the injections, less pills to swallow. Of course this depends on insurance and preference.

[midges]

I think that the amount of iron you receive is based on how anemic you are. When I began dialysis my hemoglobin was 6, so I got oral ferrous sulfate daily, epogen weekly and iron monthly. I'm off epogen and the supplement right now, but I still get IV iron on a monthly basis. The amount is determined by my previous blood results.
     Ime, ferrous sulfate was really hard on my system. It really upset my stomach so I wanted to get off of it as soon as possible. It is also the least absorbable way to supplement iron. IV has a much better rate of absorption.