Iron Deficiency Anemia: At what ferritin level do you get infusions?

Posted by brittanylee @brittanylee, Mar 8, 2022

Does anyone know what ferritin level you need to have to get iron infusions? I feel so exhausted but mine is at 26. They haven’t found the exact cause of my anemia, maybe heavy periods, had Injectafer in the past. Having a very hard time getting infusions ordered again. Please help!

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My hematology/Oncology doctor as well as our blood lab facility has said anything under 50 is concerning. He wants mine between 50-100. I’m ET/Jak2 and my ferritin had been terribly low for YEARS…. The lowest being 5. Keep pushing. You know your own body better than anyone. Sadly advocating for ourselves is crucial these days. Keep us posted and take care❤️

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Some docs will be more aggressive. Others look at iron and saturation as well. My ferritin dropped yo 6 before my first round but my iron and saturation were both ok. My ferritin was 14 my second but my saturation was starting to fall, This time my ferritin is 16 and iron was 26 but my saturation is 7. We are trying accrufer to see if it lasts longer but it is also taking longer to feel better.

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Profile picture for Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch

brittanylee @brittanylee

I have had iron injections in past when my ferritin level dropped to 8. This was after gastric bypass surgery and body was not absorbing enough protein.

First the provider recommended Vitron-C and monitoring the amount of protein I was eating. It was not enough to raise iron level.

Drs. did order upper and lower GI tests to make sure there was no bleeding causing the low iron levels. Then I was referred to a hematologist who ordered the infusions.

Eventually I was able to maintain iron levels without the infusions.

It is important to find cause of low iron levels, not just treat the symptoms.

It is frustrating, providers are not eager to order infusions.

Good luck,
Laurie

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@roch
My ferritin level was 8 and it hasn't been talked about much at all besides to try infusions. It's been a year or so since then and I can barely stay awake let alone balance in general. Then I now have dark lines under my eyes and my nails stopped growing same with my hair. Pale and purple. It's like I'm just supposed to let it all be, and deal with the minnesota northern climate "suck it up" mentality. Its no fun at all

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Profile picture for zebra1222 @zebra1222

Oooooo that’s a good hematologyst question an lab reports an history you know ur body better then most mds keep on your drs how bad your body signals are yelling at you!
Not everyone is sane numbers! Get thyroid tested too! And a igg series tests by Immunologyst !
I’ve been anemic my entire life and iron levels and ferritin levels differ . Must be careful not to much ferritin iron given they do have complications ! When u start craving ice or dirt time to really seek help! That very low iron

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I’m 50. In 2015 my hgb was 13.3. Started munching ice in 2021 and ringing in ears (after my covid vaccine) but didn’t get checked out. Finally had cbc drawn in summer 2022 - hgb was 9.9 then came up to 10.something in Oct 2022. Now got a physical and labs drawn again. Hgb 9.8, ferritin 2.6, iron 15, iron sat 4%. Primary asked if I want oral or iv infusion. I was referred to hematology next week. Will they want to start me on oral first or am I so low where I need iv infusion? Planning colonoscopy soon. Still menstrual but nothing crazy - maybe 1 heavy day out of 5.
Exhausted! Headaches. Ears ringing. Ice crunching anemic.

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Profile picture for Amanda Roe @amandajro

Hello @jamislp and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It is great that you've joined Connect as your daughter is going through this to get support!

First, you will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on this topic which you can find here:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: At what ferritin level do you get infusions?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/iron-deficiency-anemia-is-terrible/

Members such as @roch and @hopeful33250 may be able to come in and share more with you, and you are also welcome to click the "View and Reply" from this notification and review the whole discussion as well.

In the meantime, do you want to elaborate a bit on the flagged areas you've been made aware of?

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I am 50, my oldest daughter 20, son 16, and youngest daughter 12. We all have anemia…low ferritin. As low as 4. We have all had iron infusions and my youngest is scheduled for her first. We all have fatigue which is made somewhat better after infusions. I’ve been sitting at 20ish since my last infusion 9 months ago. My oldest brother also has low ferritin and iron infusions. My 20 year old had anemiaID testing done and so far her doctors have been unable to read results. It’s crazy what we have been through! Rheumatologist, cardiologist, and a neurologist is suggested now!!! Anyone else have a strong family inheritance of low ferritin?

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Oooooo that’s a good hematologyst question an lab reports an history you know ur body better then most mds keep on your drs how bad your body signals are yelling at you!
Not everyone is sane numbers! Get thyroid tested too! And a igg series tests by Immunologyst !
I’ve been anemic my entire life and iron levels and ferritin levels differ . Must be careful not to much ferritin iron given they do have complications ! When u start craving ice or dirt time to really seek help! That very low iron

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They didn't do the Ferritin level this time. My hemoglobin was 7.8 and red blood cell count 2.81. Will have an infusion today and schedule the others, I usually 8 of them once a week. I thought I got rid of the problem when I quit Methotrexate, which pushed me into blood transfusions which are worse because blood typing takes forever and the transfusion which usually starts at 1:00 a,m makes me bleary eyed when I go home. Found another reason for the possible anemia cause. Working on that now. At least I have graduated from blood transfusions. When I had to them, I was weak I could not walk.

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Profile picture for sherda @sherda

I hope the infusions work. I just recently finished a second round (10 total) infusions and I’m still waiting for a burst of energy or at least, less fatigued. My numbers are still low. I’ve heard from another person who said her infusions worked immediately. Results vary. Best of luck.

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She was not able to get all 10 she got 6. They no longer could place the iv. There are other ways like to place a port but not a option for her as she is in sports. She never got the burst of energy like some have. Best of luck to you as well.

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Profile picture for jamislp @jamislp

Thank you for the response. Red Blood cell count 3.79, Hemoglobin 10.8, Hematocrit 33.5%, Lymphocytes 25.9%, Monocytes 12.4%, Total Iron Binding capacity 440, Percent Iron Saturation 7%, Unsaturated Iron Binding 411. Ferritin 7. She is starting infusions tomorrow morning so hopefully this will get her levels up.

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I hope the infusions work. I just recently finished a second round (10 total) infusions and I’m still waiting for a burst of energy or at least, less fatigued. My numbers are still low. I’ve heard from another person who said her infusions worked immediately. Results vary. Best of luck.

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Profile picture for mhoward60 @mhoward60

My yearly blood work showed low iron for nearly 11 years it was always borderline low.

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Well mine was very low as I understand but the PA said not in the danger level yet, LOL Can we do something before I get to the danger level, already having dizzy spells, but she did prescribe hour for me. So hopefully in a few weeks the dizzy spells will go it was getting hard to drive I had to keep pulling over when I had a dizzy spell which makes things bac because I love alone and have to drive.

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