Iron showdown: IV vs pills for anemia after gastric bypass

NCT ID NCT04268849

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether intravenous iron works better than oral iron pills for treating iron deficiency anemia in people who have had gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery. About 104 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single IV dose of ferumoxytol or daily oral ferrous sulfate. The main goal is to see which treatment improves hemoglobin levels and overall well-being more quickly, with results checked at 6 weeks and again at 12 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Ferumoxytol (intravenous iron) and ferrous sulfate (oral iron)
What this could lead to
If IV iron proves more effective, it could become the preferred treatment for iron deficiency anemia after bariatric surgery, offering faster relief with fewer side effects.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small trial (104 people) and results may not apply to all patients. Oral iron is the current standard, and IV iron carries rare risks like allergic reactions.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Auerbach Hematology and Oncology

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21237, United States

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