Treating Anemia When You Have Psoriatic Arthritis
Treatment depends on why you’re anemic.
If anemia is related to inflammation from PsA, getting the disease under better control may help with both the anemia and the fatigue. “If you have effective treatment, if the skin and joints are under control, then the anemia is going to improve,” Birnbaum says.
But controlling PsA won’t resolve every form of anemia. Blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, or medication-related problems need their own treatment, Meysami says.
Your rheumatologist will also review your medical history, prescribed medications, and other factors, such as NSAID use, potential gastrointestinal bleeding, sleep problems, and chronic pain, Meysami says.
“Do not accept severe fatigue as something you simply have to live with because you have PsA. Fatigue is real, can be disabling, and deserves a proper evaluation,” Meysami says.
