It is not uncommon for a Family Physician to come across elderly patients taking inappropriate haematinics on regular basis for many years with the belief that these supplements are essential to maintain good health. In Malaysia, patients are self-referred to general practitioners and private hospital specialists. They often choose who they want to consult; not who they should consult. There is lack of comprehensive and continuity of care by one specific family doctor and haematinics are easily available over the counter without the need of a prescription.The main theme for discussion on this paper is the use and misuse of haematinics to treat anaemia in the elderly and in patients with terminal illness. Five general practice cases, each with a specific inappropriate haematinic therapy, are presented to provide topics for discussions. They are followed by questions and answers to highlight these common mistakes and to discuss geriatric issues related to management of anaemias.