Katie L. answered • 08/09/23
PA-C/Paramedic available for A+P, nursing, PA exam prep, applications!
Good morning Rozh!
Ferric gluconate is a an intravenous iron replacement solution commonly administered to patients with kidney disease who are receiving epoetin alpha (a medication used to induce hematopoiesis). Any time we give iron supplements to a person who is iron deficient, we have to keep in mind how it is absorbed.
In individuals with iron deficiency, serum hepcidin is released by the liver in response to the introduction of iron supplements and persists for up to a day. Serum hepcidin blocks intestinal absorption of iron during this time. So, any extra iron administered the day after ferric gluconate, or really most iron supplements, will not be absorbed to its full potential.
