How Is Hemochromatosis Treated?
Treatments for hemochromatosis include therapeutic
phlebotomy (fle-BOT-o-me), iron chelation (ke-LAY-shun) therapy, dietary
changes, and treatment for complications.
Goals of Treatment
The goals of treating hemochromatosis include:
- Reducing the amount of iron in your body to
normal levels
- Preventing or delaying organ damage from iron
overload
- Treating complications of the disease
- Maintaining a normal amount of iron in your body
for the rest of your life
Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a procedure that removes
blood (and iron) from your body. For this procedure, a needle is inserted into
your vein, and your blood flows through an airtight tube into a sterile
container or bag.
The process is similar to donating blood and can be
done at blood donation centers, hospital donation centers, or a doctor's
office.
In the first stage of treatment, about 1 pint of
blood is removed once or twice a week. After your iron levels return to normal,
you may continue phlebotomy treatments. However, you may need them less
oftentypically every 3 months.
As long as treatment continues, which is often for
the rest of your life, your doctor will order frequent
blood
tests to check your iron levels.
Iron Chelation Therapy
Iron chelation therapy uses medicine to remove
excess iron from your body. This treatment is a good option for people who
can't have routine blood removal.
The medicine used in iron chelation therapy is
either injected or taken orally. Injected iron chelation therapy is done at a
doctor's office. Oral iron chelation therapy can be done at home.
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may
suggest that you change your diet if you have hemochromatosis. You may be
advised to:
- Avoid taking iron, including iron pills, iron
injections, or multivitamins that contain iron.
- Limit your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps
your body absorb iron from food. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin C
is safe for you.
- Avoid uncooked fish and shellfish. Some fish and
shellfish contain bacteria that can cause infections in people who have chronic
diseases, such as hemochromatosis.
- Limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol increases
the risk for liver disease and can make liver disease worse.
Treatment for Complications
Your doctor may prescribe other treatment as needed
for complications such as liver disease, heart problems, or
diabetes. |