## 💉 Anemia Drugs
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. The selection of anemia drugs is entirely dependent on the underlying cause of the disorder, as anemia itself is a manifestation of an array of conditions, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or inherited disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
For the most common types, such as iron-deficiency anemia or Vitamin B12/folate deficiency, the primary treatment involves supplementation. Oral iron preparations are the mainstay for most individuals, though intravenous iron infusions are used for those with poor oral absorption, severe deficiency, or intolerance to oral supplements. For anemia associated with chronic kidney disease or chemotherapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), which mimic the action of the natural hormone erythropoietin, are administered to prompt the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.
For more complex or less common anemias, newer biological therapies are emerging. For instance, drugs targeting the regulation of hepcidin, a hormone that controls iron absorption and release, are being developed to treat anemia of chronic inflammation. Similarly, gene-modifying therapies and monoclonal antibodies represent innovative approaches for treating severe, refractory anemias, moving the focus beyond simple replacement toward correcting the underlying physiological imbalance.