What Causes Iron Level Of 13 And Ferritin Of 7 While On Nexium?

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am a long term Nexium user. I also donate plasma and platelets regularly. I was recently turned away because my iron level was 13 and Ferrutin was 7. I'm concerned it is because of the Nexium. How can I prevent acid reflux so I can cease all medications?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
See a Gastroenterologist for more evaluation!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this low iron and ferritin levels. You are very correct because inexium can reduce iron absorption and this is why your iron stores are low and something needs to be done. Acid reflux that fails to respond to medications over a longtime may need a different approach. To determine what the exact cause is and what needs to be done precisely, I will suggest that you get an upper endoscopy done by a Gastroenterologist. If the problem is the lower entrance into the stomach which doesn't close appropriately, surgery might be needed as a one time fix to this. In addition to drugs, avoid coffee, chocolates, fatty meals, leaning forward soon after means and eating close to bedtime.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar