May 13, 2007
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I started a new diabetes medication about seven months ago, and I am now having problems with anemia. My hemoglobin dropped to 6.3 and I had to get two units of blood. I am an RN and went to work with the low hemoglobin. The doctors asked "Weren't you tired?" Duh... yeah, I am always tired... I am a floor nurse! Some of my blood has been sent to Mayo clinic for testing. Have you found any information on [name deleted] and anemia? Do you have any input for me?Answer
Dramatic anemia such as you describe is unusual in people with diabetes. You did not give specific information that might help with analysis of what's occurring (e.g. bleeding from the gut, vagina, or evidence of hemolysis or bone marrow aplasia). I suggest you and your physicians obtain consultation from a gastroenterologist if there is possible GI blood loss, gynecologist if there's a worry about vaginal bleeding, or hematologist (specialist in blood disorders) if there is no clear source of the bleeding. If your physicians think there's a possible link to any medication, they should notify the manufacturer of that medication of the adverse event.
