Anaemia

[Aniela]

I am happy to be part of this forum and my question is if edoxaban is found to be causing my anaemia, how long can I take iron tablets for to correct my anaemia as I understand that iron tablets cannot be taken over an indefinite period.

[BobD Volunteer]

My concern would be for low grade gastric bleeding because of anticoagulation causing the anaemia rather than for how long you can take iron tablets. Have you had suitable checks?

[Aniela in reply to BobD]

Just had blood and urine test as to why low red cells. Now waiting for results. Month ago had blood tests which showed slightly low haemoglobin levels. GP prescribed iron tablets for a month. Had to see locum GP last Friday about other routine test results, I mentioned whether I needed more iron tablets and the good Dr. that she is, sent me off for blood tests. Now awaiting results.

[CDreamer in reply to Aniela]

Do you have a baseline figure, prior to starting the anticoagulants?

My numbers have always been low throughout my life.

I periodically have under range norms low iron, I take Apixaban, and it’s always a mission to find out if I’m not making it because of poor nutrient absorption, another reason or I’m not able to store it.

Hope you find answers soon.

[Aniela in reply to CDreamer]

Please see my reply to BobD. Thank you for your response. It was very helpful.

[10gingercats in reply to CDreamer]

Yes. my numbers too are consistently lowish and after investigations at various times throughout my life it never been a real problem. Iron tablets on presc.usually sort it .....200mg a day .I also have coeliac dis, so that doesn't help.Only needed lots of extra iron during pregnancy.

[CDreamer in reply to 10gingercats]

I had colitis so I always wondered if that was a factor? I have had to have iron injections whilst pregnant, most 😣. I’ve not had iron supplements for a while now, thankfully!

[10gingercats in reply to CDreamer]

There are strong links between' gut' problems and poor iron absorption....as explained to me by gastroenterologist.

[Tako2009]

Please get this checked out as Bob advises - I have just got back to ‘normal ‘ after suffering the low grade bleeding (gastric) which caused my anaemia- I came off anticoagulant completely until the problem was resolved (laser therapy to my colon where the bleed originated) and my blood count was back to normal. Now being closely monitored with monthly blood tests to make sure going back on an anticoagulant doesn’t cause the same problems again.

[Aniela in reply to Tako2009]

Thanks for your advice and I hope you get back to good health. How did you find out that you had gastric bleed. Was it through routine blood tests or did you have symptoms and what were the symptoms. This would be very helpful to me. My blood test in May last year was normal but after I was started on Edoxaban in October last year, my blood test in May this year showed low red cells. I had another test two weeks later for my pre med and low blood cells again. Is it Edoxaban or is Edoxaban a red herring.

[Tako2009 in reply to Aniela]

I was taking Rivaroxaban which actually doesn’t have a good reputation where gastric bleeds are concerned. But I’d been taking it for I think 3 years or more with regular blood tests without problems. I went to the doctors because I was getting IBS symptoms- bloating, gas and general gut grumbling - fortunately she requested blood tests which revealed serious anaemia- cue colonoscopy and endoscopy. I was taken off rivaroxaban immediately and within a couple of weeks my blood count was climbing again. The gastric specialist identified an area in my colon where the bleed might have originated and that was given laser treatment. Nobody knows if rivaroxaban caused the bleed or simply kept it bleeding slowly rather than healing naturally. I am back on an anticoagulant but currently having monthly blood tests to monitor my blood levels. I think with all anticoagulant there is a small risk of a bleed but that has to be measured against the higher risk of a stroke for people with AF. I just put myself down as one of the unlucky few this happens to and now I need to be vigilant to identify any similar symptoms. I don’t think endoxaban is a red herring since in the very unlikely event you do have some sort of gastric bleed causing your anaemia then the anticoagulant may be contributing to this.

I am fine now and was happy with the treatment provided. This is absolutely fixable- I just think you should ask your GP to check this out to be on the safe side.

[Aniela in reply to Tako2009]

Thank you for coming back to me. I will see what the results of my blood and urine tests are and will certainly speak to my GP about the possibility of gastric bleed. I m glad you are now better and wish you all the best for the future.

[Speedy6 in reply to Tako2009]

So what are they doing about your stroke risk now,so sorry to hear you've gone through this.

[Horse57]

I never ever use synthetic iron. It is known to cause serious liver problems including cancer in some. Plant based iron is much safer. Google the supplements that are plant based. Also I have a genetic mutation that over 40 percent of the population has called MHTFR. I have only one copy. People with this mutation have anemia and most doctors never test for it and never really know why they are anemic. Also parasites cause anemia! Not a pleasant thought but a parasite cleanse can correct the anemia. Ta

[Aniela]

Thank you Horse57. I welcome your advice on anaemia. I know docs don't like to prescribe iron medication indefinitely and quite honestly I would prefer to take plant based iron so will look into it as well as the genetic mutation - I have never heard of this. Anyhow thanks once again.

[maria68]

Good Morning Aniela,

In reply to your post on Anaemia, I know it’s a long time ago you posted but I now have a low ferritin count and am on Edoxaban. Do you get any further with your investigations?

I also suffer from gastric trouble, I think it’s GERD but not been diagnosed. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Aniela]

Sorry Maria, I never did get to finding a reason for my low red cell count. I've had a few more blood tests done and the red cell count is about the same so my discussion with the GP seems to indicate that my low red cell count may be normal for me as we all have different levels and some may be slightly out of the blood test range scale. My ferritin level is normal so I don't think it's due to Edoxaban even though some of the side effects is anaemia, according to the leaflet, but the doctors are not convinced that Edoxaban caused my low cell count. I've had various tests done to try and determine the cause of my red cell count and they all came back okay. What did your GP say about your low ferritin. Hope you get this sorted.