Patient: I was tested for iron deficiency anemia on March 18. The doctor recommended that I be hospitalized, but there is no bed available until next week. I am now taking “Glivec” orally and started taking it on the evening of March 18. I would like to ask how many days does it take to work? Do I need to be hospitalized? What else do I need to take now that I’m taking care of what I’m eating? Answer: Iron supplementation usually works in about a week. You have low hemoglobin level, if you have dizziness, weakness and other symptoms are heavy, it is relatively safe to be hospitalized for observation, if necessary, you also need blood transfusion. In addition to iron deficiency anemia, besides iron supplementation, the key is to find the cause of the anemia, that is, the root of the disease, and only when the root of the disease is removed, can it be completely cured. Common causes are: long-term small dose blood loss (excessive menstruation, bleeding hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, tumors, etc.), reduced iron intake (weight loss, vegetarian diet, etc.), and impaired iron absorption (gastrointestinal disorders, drinking strong tea, coffee and other foods that affect iron absorption). The problems needed to find from the above-mentioned causes can basically be solved, and can be properly supplemented with vitamin C to promote the absorption of iron.