Optimizing Iron Deficiency Anemia Management in Community Pharmacy

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia worldwide, despite being preventable and readily treatable. When it comes to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) management, the pharmacist’s role extends beyond product selection and dispensing. Proactive counselling, realistic timelines, and check-ins with patients directly reduces non-adherence. Recognizing escalation triggers and communicating with the prescriber when response is inadequate are core pharmacist responsibilities in IDA management.

Course author: Victor Wong, PharmD

Accredited for 1.25 CEUs by the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy; CCCEP #1329-2026-4156-I-P

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this continuing education lesson, participants should be better able to:

1. Identify risk factors, signs and symptoms, and Canadian diagnostic criteria of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
2. Select an appropriate oral iron formulation supplement and dose based on patient circumstances, elemental iron content, efficacy, tolerability, cost, and patient preference.
3. Counsel patients on evidence-based iron administration, including dosing frequency and timing, key food and drug interactions, and the role of vitamin C.
4. Educate patients on expected treatment timelines, signs of inadequate response, and follow-up for reassessment or escalation.

This learning activity is supported by educational funding from Biosyent Pharma Inc.