Low ferritin on GLP-1s?

R

Robin16

Well-known member
Been on tirzepatide for a couple of years now and feeling great, except my ferritin is stubbornly low despite taking iron supplements as directed. My doctor is suggesting IV iron, but the copay is crazy high. Has anyone sourced this independently? My son's a medic and can administer the drip...
 
I just saw on Reddit that some people get a corticosteroid before or after iron IVs.

I'm anxious, so I would NEVER do IVs outside of a medical setting (with crash cart, anaphylaxis meds, many people, monitoring, etc). Like, no med spas, but they offer iron IVs. Here's some info on iron infusion reactions:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8484997/

Granted, bad reactions are rare. Your son is qualified, and could get a corticosteroid from, say, India. They even have adrenaline.

If I HAD to do it, maybe in an RV in the ER parking lot.

As for affordability:

https://injectafercopay.com/hcp/faqs
 
I've been mostly vegan for decades. I keep my ferritin up by eating lentils, cocoa powder, and black strap molasses. A cocoa-molasses latte is tasty in the morning. Add citrus like lemon to make iron more bioavailable. Use iron cookware too.
 
There are other reasons for low iron and ferritin that don't respond. I hope your doctor checked, but low zinc, copper, or vitamin A can lower iron stores. Also, soluble transferrin receptor, with ferritin (their ratio) shows if your body "wants" iron or not. If ferritin is low but the body is suppressing it.
 
I have low ferritin and iron. I've had two iron infusions. My coworker always infuses it slower because of the burning. I have also purchased iron (b-complex) from overseas. My B12 was sky high. My iron went up after the infusions, but after a few months, my ferritin goes back down - meaning no reserves. I want something for energy, and to store ferritin. I'll have a third infusion, then see a hematologist. I'll read more from @Izzy_2000.
 
Low ferritin = low iron reserves. Ferritin below 15 means absent iron reserves.

Ferritin can be falsely normal due to inflammation. It's a delayed inflammatory response marker.

Iron cannot be given subq or IM.
It must be IV by a trained person due to anaphylaxis or reactions. Iron infusion dose needs calculation based on hemoglobin and ferritin levels.

Iron sucrose is rarely used now.

Iron carboxy maltose is preferred now.

Iron infusions can hurt.

I hope this helps.
 
If you are looking into peptides, @Leslie1994, make sure you do your research. Some people check their IGF levels to see if the GH peptides are working. I've heard Ipamorelin might not raise IGF-1 much on a blood test, but Tesamorelin will.
 
Thanks, @Heart-BTW. I'll look into that. I'm also down about 100 pounds since starting this GLP-1 journey. It has been life-changing.
 
Some practitioners use really low doses specifically for inflammation instead of weight loss. The body responds differently at different amounts.
 
I feel something but not getting the results others report. Started low since it's my first time on this, wanted to go slow. Ordered one vial from a supplier, second order looks questionable. Wondering if it was underfilled or if I just don't respond well. I'm pretty tall. Find out in two weeks.
 
Smoothies and protein shakes are solid tools here. Liquids sit easier on the stomach and leave faster, so they ease nausea and discomfort. Plus they pack protein for fullness and muscle when appetite tanks. They fight dehydration when solids are rough. And portions feel adequate even when small.
 
GLP-1s don't drop your sugar into dangerous territory. Blood sugar reduction happens but it's controlled.
 
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