Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen) in red blood cells is below normal. The
blood of anemic patients is therefore oxygen depleted, leading to
fatigue, weakness, and in severe cases,
stroke and
heart attack.
Excessive bleeding is the most common cause of anemia. The condition may also result from reduced red blood cell production caused by iron and vitamin deficiencies. In addition, increased red blood cell destruction, where blood cells are destroyed prematurely, can lead to anemia.
Treatment of anemia includes, but may not be limited to, blood transfusion, iron and vitamin
supplements, and the use of special drugs that help stimulate red blood cell production. View sub-topics at right to learn more about some specific drugs used to anemia and some of the drugs' more serious adverse side effects.
See Also
- Aranesp / Darbepoetin Alfa
- Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs: Overview
- Procrit / Eprex