Answer: A. ferrous gluconate (Fergon).
Explanation: Common medications for treatment of microcytic or iron deficiency anemia are
* Ferrous sulfate (Feosol)
* Ferrous fumarate (Ferro-Sequesl)
* Ferrous gluconate (Fergon)
* Polysaccharide iron complex (Niferex)
B & D. Wrong... Common medications for treatment of macrocytic anemia are
* Vitamin B12 supplementation. Most B12 in a diet comes from animal products, so strict vegetarians may need to regularly take Vitamin B12 supplements. Over the counter (OTC) vitamin B12 supplements are available in various strengths and dosage forms. Severe deficiency may require a prescription for vitamin B12 tablets or injections.
* Folic Acid supplementation. Folic acid is found in fresh green vegetables, meat, and eggs. Alcoholism, liver disease, or renal failure can also lead to folic acid deficiency. Folic acid tablets are also available OTC in smaller strengths, and higher strengths can be obtained via prescription for a severe deficiency.
C. Wrong... Treatment of the underlying disease also reverses the anemia once the body starts producing normal amounts of erythropoietin.
Common medications for the treatment of anemia due to chronic diseases are
* Epoetin alpha (Epogen, Procrit)
* Darbepoetin alpha (Aranesp)
