Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
IDA is a common, treatable condition that occurs when there is low iron to support normal red blood cell production in the body1
Some of the underlying medical conditions in adults at risk for IDA can include:
Cancer: IDA is prevalent in oncology patients receiving treatment2
GI conditions: Acute and chronic conditions, including gastric bypass, IBD, GI bleeding-related conditions, gastritis, ulcer-related conditions, and others3
Abnormal uterine bleeding: In women, there are several causes of heavy uterine bleeding that result in low iron levels4
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): IDA can occur in CKD, which affects about 30 million adults in the US5
GI=gastrointestinal; IBD=Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Iron deficiency anemia signs and symptoms1*
| Fatigue | Weakness | Difficulty breathing | Headache |
| Restless legs syndrome | Coldness in the hands and feet | Difficulty concentrating | Irregular heartbeat |
| Pica | Dizziness | Chest pain |
| Fatigue | Weakness |
| Difficulty breathing | Headache |
| Restless legs syndrome | Coldness in the hands and feet |
| Difficulty concentrating | Irregular heartbeat |
| Pica | Dizziness |
| Chest pain |
*FERAHEME is not indicated to treat the symptoms of IDA.
Iron deficiency anemia diagnosis
IDA is diagnosed through common laboratory markers such as hemoglobin (Hgb), serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT).6,7
Laboratory markers for assessing iron status6-8
| Lab markers | Normal values | |
|---|---|---|
| Hgb† | 13.5-17.5 g/dL (male) | 12.0-15.5 g/dL (female) |
| Ferritin | 40-300 ng/mL (male) | 20-200 ng/mL (female) |
| TSAT | 20%-50% | |
†Normal Hgb values may vary based on patient characteristics/comorbidities and by laboratory.
The effect of FERAHEME on Hgb, ferritin levels, and TSAT were assessed in multiple large head-to-head, double-blind, randomized clinical trials.9
Treating iron deficiency anemia
For patients with IDA, IV iron is an option for those with CKD or when oral iron fails.9
All IV iron is not the same—
and even seemingly small differences could make an impact10
Consider phosphate levels, as hypophosphatemia is associated with some IV irons.10
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