Living with Iron-Deficiency Anemia

If you have iron-deficiency anemia, get ongoing care to make sure your iron levels are improving. At your checkups, your doctor may change your medicines or supplements. He or she also may suggest ways to improve your diet.

Take iron supplements only with your doctor's approval, and only as he or she prescribes. It's possible to have too much iron in your body (a condition called iron overload). Too much iron in your body can damage your organs.

You may have fatigue (tiredness) and other symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia until your iron levels return to normal, which can take months. Tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse.

 

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.