I think that was a good question. I recently had a hematologist appt and we discussed my feelings of tiredness and that generally speaking I was very likely anemic though my iron doesn’t show that but my blood cells would indicate it. I find it hard to wrap my mind around this but one of several reasons why I call PV my weird cancer.
November 13, 2025
Could iron infusions have triggered JAK2-positive polycythemia vera?
No, iron infusions would not have triggered your PV. Polycythemia vera is caused by genetic mutations, most commonly in the JAK2 gene, which occurs in about 95% of people with PV. These mutations happen at a cellular level and cause your bone marrow to Show Full Answer
Could iron infusions have triggered JAK2-positive polycythemia vera?
No, iron infusions would not have triggered your PV. Polycythemia vera is caused by genetic mutations, most commonly in the JAK2 gene, which occurs in about 95% of people with PV. These mutations happen at a cellular level and cause your bone marrow to overproduce blood cells.
Interestingly, many people with PV actually develop iron deficiency despite having too many red blood cells. This happens because the body uses up iron stores trying to make all those extra cells. So your low ferritin in 2020 could have actually been an early sign of PV rather than a trigger for it.
Iron infusions help replace depleted iron stores, but they don't cause the genetic mutations that lead to PV. The JAK2 mutation you have was likely already present before your iron infusions.
It's worth noting that after diagnosis, some PV treatments actually aim to keep iron levels lower to help limit red blood cell production. Always check with your doctor before taking iron supplements or vitamins, as they may not be recommended for managing PV.
November 11, 2025
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