Agents To Treat Anemia

Question 1

Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents

Answer 1

Drugs - Epoetine Alfa, Darbopoetie Alfa
Suffix - “poetine”
Action - Stimulates the production of RBC in bone marrow
Contraindication - Uncontrollable HTN that will add to the viscosity of blood
Caution - Increases the risk of some cancers
AE - CNS, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Hypertension, Chest pain, Edema, Increased DVT
Drug 2 Drug - Don’t mix solutions with other Sub-Q or IV

Question 2

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 2

Drugs - start with Ferrous & Iron
Action - Elevates the serum iron construction
Contraindications - Hemochromatosis excessive iron Dz, Anemias that aren’t iron dif, Normal iron balance
AE - Iron toxicity, Constipation, local irritation, so use Z- track method to prevent staining
Drug 2 Drug - Give 2 hours apart from other meds
Drug 2 Food - Eggs, milk, coffee, tea, Vitamin C rich foods help iron absorb

Question 3

Megaloblastic Anemias

Answer 3

Drugs - Folic Acid, Leucovorin, Levoleucovorin & B12, Hydroxocobalamin injectable, Cyanocobalamin nasal spray
Actions - Essential for cell growth and production of strong stomach in RBC, B12 is essential for myelin sheath in nerves
Indications - Replacement therapy for deficiencies, Folic acid used for rescue in cells exposed to chemotherapy
AE - Pain or discomfort at injection site, nasal irritation with nasal spray
Drug 2 Drug - Few because there essential

Question 4

Sickle Cell Anemia

Answer 4

Drug - Hydroxyurea
Action - Increase in fetal hemoglobin produced by bone marrow, Dilutes formation of abnormal hemoglobin
Contraindications - Severe anemia or Leukopenia
Caution - Impaired liver & renal function, Preg Lact
AE - GI, Skin rash, bone marrow depression, Inc cancer risk
Drug 2 Drug - Uricosuric Agents

Question 5

What do you give for iron overdose

Answer 5

Drugs with Defar in it