Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels While On Coumadin?
My friend is 88 years, has prostate cancer, gets a Lupron injection every 3 months. INR has been good. He is on coumadin due to a pulmonary embolism about 4 years ago. His hemoglobin has lowered to 9 with no apparent reason. His Dr. Just changed the Lupron (3 months) to Elegard (6months) 4 days ago. Is this change in his hemoglobin level normal for a man of his age or might it indicate a problem? They have ruled out bleeding from his stomach or intestines. He also gets a Prolea injection (6months)
Thu, 25 Oct 2018
Hi,
Coumadin is an anticoagulant medicine and so increases chances of bleeding which in turn can reduce hemoglobin level in blood.
Looking at his age and also the absence of any bleeding from the body. I feel 9% should suffice to lead an ambulatory life. Of course, the Hb% needs to be rechecked frequently so also his general condition and absence of bleeding from any source and the prostatic cancer state in order to prevent more trouble.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale,
General & Family Physician
Coumadin is an anticoagulant medicine and so increases chances of bleeding which in turn can reduce hemoglobin level in blood.
Looking at his age and also the absence of any bleeding from the body. I feel 9% should suffice to lead an ambulatory life. Of course, the Hb% needs to be rechecked frequently so also his general condition and absence of bleeding from any source and the prostatic cancer state in order to prevent more trouble.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale,
General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....