A - 19. Agents used in anemias

Question 1

Drugs used in anemia - names

Answer 1

iron hydroxide 
polymaltose	
folic acid	
vitamin B12	
epoetin-alpha	
filgrastim

Question 2

iron hydroxide

Answer 2

• oral against iron deficiency, both with or without anemia
• absorbed in jejenum /duodenum
• absorbed iron gets stored in liver as ferretin
• has GI side effects

Question 3

Folic acid/vit B9

Answer 3

• insufficiency can be due to cancer treatment
• essential cofactor in DNA synthesis
• comes from diet
• insufficiency - megaloblastic anemia

Question 4

B12

Answer 4

Used for DNA synthesis

• IM
• Can be used against cyanide poisoning
• Deficiency -> pernicious anemia

Question 5

Pernicious anemia triad of symptoms

Answer 5

1. Megaloblastic anemia
2. GI problems - weak mucosa
3. Neurological problems - degredation of spinal cord

Question 6

Epoietin-alpha general

Answer 6

EPO produced w/ recombinant DNA technology

- increases erythropoiesis

Question 7

Epoietin-alpha side effects

Answer 7

Hypertension
Cluster headaches
Joint pain

Question 8

Filgrastim general

Answer 8

Indication - neutropenia

• increases neutrophils
• used in HIV/AIDS, chemo, radiation poisoning

Question 9

Filgrastim SE

Answer 9

Bone pain (increased marrow activity)
Sickle cell disease
Hemorrhage
Works as a G-CSF -> increased neutrophils