Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it normal to need iron infusion and B12 injections after chemo

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
TEXAS, TX
November 21, 2025
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyBCTeam Member

Normal? Well both iron IV and Vit B12 IV are very cancer promoting. Iron will also spike your inflammation and you may even get sick (I did - never again). They probably want to give those to you because chemo made you anemic. Just know that you can restore this same balance, albeit a bit more slowly but a lot safer, by taking iron bisglycinate supplements and lactoferrin. You could even do it just with lactoferrin but it will take longer. However gentle every-other-day iron bisglycinate is fine. Just remember, tumor cells love free iron, which is exactly what an IV does - it sends free iron to your blood. And guess what, even after a full course of chemo you’ll still have tumor cells in blood. So personally, I would not risk this. B12 is also contraindicated because it makes tumor cells multiply. Just my take.

November 21, 2025
MyBCTeam

Is it normal to need iron infusions and B12 injections after chemotherapy?

Yes, it can be normal to need these treatments after chemo. Chemotherapy can affect your body's ability to produce healthy blood cells and absorb nutrients properly, which may lead to anemia and vitamin deficiencies.

While chemotherapy weakens your Show Full Answer

Is it normal to need iron infusions and B12 injections after chemotherapy?

Yes, it can be normal to need these treatments after chemo. Chemotherapy can affect your body's ability to produce healthy blood cells and absorb nutrients properly, which may lead to anemia and vitamin deficiencies.

While chemotherapy weakens your immune system and can damage healthy cells, it may also impact:

• Red blood cell production, leading to low iron levels (anemia)
• Your body's ability to absorb B12 and other nutrients
• Overall blood cell counts

Your oncology team monitors your blood work during and after treatment to catch these issues. If your levels are low, iron infusions and B12 injections help restore them and manage fatigue and other symptoms.

If you're experiencing new symptoms or concerns about needing these treatments, talk with your oncology nurse or doctor. They can explain your specific blood work results and why these interventions are necessary for your recovery. Many people need additional support like this during their treatment journey, so you're not alone in this experience.

November 21, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Can I take a women's multivitamin on AI?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Arab, AL
February 25

Scalp Pain During Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
Chest Pain After Mammogram: Is It Normal? How Long Is It Sore?
Hair Dye After Chemo: When Is It Safe? What Type Is Best?