Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis : FAQ, Part 2

by CDC

(Page 5 of 5)

Treatment for Iron Overload

Hemochromatosis can be treated by a phlebotomy (fle-bot-o-me).

What is a phlebotomy?

It's the same procedure that is used when you donate blood. A nurse takes about a pint of blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes about an hour.

Is a phlebotomy safe?

Yes. A phlebotomy is safe, simple, and effective. Because you will have frequent phlebotomies, your doctor will monitor your health more closely than if you were just donating blood.

How often must I have a phlebotomy?

How often you have phlebotomies - and how many you have - depends on how much iron has built up in your body. Most people have them once or twice a week for a year or more.

Must I have phlebotomies for the rest of my life?

Yes. The good news is that after your iron is lowered to a safe level, you will have phlebotomies less often, usually a few times a year.

Does a phlebotomy have side effects?

Most people feel just fine, but others feel tired afterwards and like to rest for an hour or so. It's a good idea to drink liquids (water, milk, or fruit juices) before and after a phlebotomy.

Where can I get a phlebotomy?

You can get a phlebotomy at many blood donation centers (for example, hospitals, clinics, and bloodmobiles).

Getting Your Iron Level Back to Normal

Without phlebotomies, hemochromatosis can cause death. Treatment is worth the effort.

My family and hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis runs in families. So, your blood relatives - your parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children - may also have it.

How can I help my family?

You can help by telling your blood relatives that you have hemochromatosis and they could have it too. Urge family members to get their iron levels checked by their doctors. The sooner they know whether they have hemochromatosis, the better. People who start treatment early can stay healthy.

Why does hemochromatosis run in families?

Hemochromatosis runs in families because the genes that we are born with typically cause it. We inherit genes from our parents, and our children inherit genes from us.

How likely are my children to have hemochromatosis?

This is impossible to answer because children inherit genes from both parents. Talk with your children's pediatrician about your family history of hemochromatosis. Ask if your children should be tested to make sure their iron levels remain normal.

Indeed, it's important for all close family members to get their iron levels tested (parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and children) if anyone in the family has hemochromatosis.

The earlier family members find out if they have hemochromatosis, the better their chances of leading long, healthy lives.

What can I do to stay healthy?

There is a lot you can do to take charge of hemochromatosis and to make sure your life is as normal and healthy as possible.

Check-ups: Have the amount of iron in your blood tested regularly.

Phlebotomy Phlebotomy: Make sure to get phlebotomies when you need them.

Food: Don't eat raw fish or raw shellfish. Cooking destroys germs harmful to people with hemochromatosis.

Alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, drink very little. Women should have no more than one drink a day. Men should have no more than two a day. If you have liver damage, however, do NOT drink any alcohol.

Iron pills: Don't take iron pills, supplements, or multivitamin supplements that have iron in them. Eating foods that contain iron is fine.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases the amount of iron your body absorbs. So, don't take pills with more than 500 mg of vitamin C per day. Eating foods with vitamin C is fine.

Exercise: You can exercise as much as you want. CDC recommends that everyone should get 30 minutes of exercise a day to stay fit and healthy.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.