What is the best treatment for hemochromatosis?
The most common treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis is removal of blood (phlebotomy), which lowers the iron level. Blood removal is similar to the process of donating blood. It is usually done once per week until the iron levels are normal. This may require 9 to 12 months of weekly blood removal.
What is the medication for hemochromatosis?
Drugs used to treat Hemochromatosis
| Drug name | Rating | Rx/OTC |
|---|---|---|
| View information about deferasirox deferasirox Off-label | 1.0 | Rx |
| Generic name: deferasirox systemic Drug class: chelating agents For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information Off-label: Yes |
Does a gastroenterologist treat hemochromatosis?
Many patients with hemochromatosis will not have any symptoms and may be referred to a gastroenterologist for abnormal liver tests found on routine lab checks.
What happens if you are a carrier of haemochromatosis?
If left untreated , haemochromatosis can lead to arthritis, liver damage, and premature death. As it is an inherited disorder, people with hereditary haemochromatosis carry two faulty genes – one from each parent. A person with one faulty gene is a ‘carrier’ and won’t develop the condition themselves.
What foods to avoid if you have hemochromatosis?
6 foods to avoid in a hemochromatosis diet
- Vitamin C-rich foods. Dr.
- Red meat in excess. Nutritionist Best says animal sources of protein, like beef, contain heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body.
- Raw fish and shellfish.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sugar.
- Iron-fortified foods.
What type of doctor treats high ferritin?
Family doctors and internal medicine specialists may diagnose and treat hemochromatosis. Other doctors also may be involved in diagnosing and treating the disease, including: Hematologists (blood disease specialists)
When is phlebotomy needed for hemochromatosis?
The decision to begin phlebotomy in a person with hereditary hemochromatosis is usually based on a person’s age, sex, and level of ferritin in the blood; when ferritin levels are significantly elevated for a person’s age and sex, phlebotomy should be started.
How often do you need phlebotomy for hemochromatosis?
Some patients diagnosed with hemochromatosis have already built up 5 or 10 grams (or more) of excess iron in their bodies. These patients will require aggressive treatment and sometimes will be phlebotomized (or give blood) as often as once or twice a week.