Dealing with drug side effects

January 2004     View PDF     En español

Anemia

Anemia is low red blood cells. Those are the cells that deliver oxygen to different parts of your body. When your body is short on oxygen, you feel fatigued. Long-term or severe anemia can cause damage to your body. Most people with HIV have anemia at some point. HIV can cause it. So do many drugs used to treat HIV, like AZT (Retrovir). For women, problems with periods can also be a cause or symptom of anemia.

To monitor for anemia, have blood work done at least every three months, even if you’re not using anti-HIV medication. A change in diet or nutritional supplements can lower the risk of developing anemia. Using medication to correct moderate anemia (Procrit, Epogen) can also help. In some cases, stopping or changing the drugs that are causing anemia may be necessary. Treating severe anemia requires a blood transfusion.

Tips for anemia

• Know your red blood cell (hemoglobin) count! Get it checked regularly.
• Fish, meat, and poultry are high in iron and vitamin B-12, both of which may lower risk of anemia.
• Spinach, asparagus, dark leafy greens, and lima beans are high in folic acid, another nutrient that may lower risk of anemia.