Treatment:

Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:

• Blood transfusions
• Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system
• Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells
• Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the cause.

Complications:

Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to a heart attack.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health provider if you have any symptoms of anemia, or any unusual bleeding.