I hope some of you may be able to help me sort out this dilemma.
I began taking Exjade over a year ago and it has reduced my Fe levels from 2400+ down to 780. I am very pleased with this result, however, I have increasingly felt worse. (Short of breath, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite).
My hemoglobin level was 9.5 to 10.2 at the beginning of treatment, but seems to be declining over time. Two months ago it was 8.9 and last week dropped to 8.3. My physician suspected that my hgb would rise as Fe levels dropped, but does not appear to be doing so. I have not noticed any blood loss. Exjade dosage started at 2000 mg/day and has recently been reduced to 1500mg/day. I do not have a history of having to transfuse. Also, I had been feeling worse the past few weeks and have stopped taking the Exjade (temporary) until I felt better. I am now feeling better and will resume with Exjade next week. I plan on splitting the dosage to make it easier on my body.
My question is this: If my hgb has dropped on my next visit (2 months) what tests should be performed? Urine, stool?
Thanks to all for your great advice and support.
Bill
I plan on splitting my dosage to make it easier on my body.