Anemia From Chronic Disease: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Anemia is a low level of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Sometimes when you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as severe chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, or an infection, your body does not make enough red blood cells.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Follow your doctor's instructions to treat the chronic condition that's causing the anemia.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicine to treat your chronic condition exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Take your medicine for anemia exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. Medicines to increase the number of red blood cells (such as epoetin or darbepoetin) may be given as an injection.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, get back on your regular schedule and take only one dose.
- Do not freeze this medicine. Store it in the refrigerator. Do not shake the bottle before you prepare the shot.
- Go to all of your appointments for blood tests to check on your hemoglobin levels.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself. - You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe shortness of breath.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are short of breath.
- You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have new or worse bleeding.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You feel weaker or more tired than usual.
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: December 13, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
