Various Options For Diagnosing And Treating Hemochromatosis

Chelation

Chelation, used for patients who cannot be treated with phlebotomy, is the use of medication to remove excess iron from the blood. The medication works by binding to iron so it can be released in the urine. Deferoxamine is one of the most commonly used medications for this process. It can be administered intravenously, and patients can choose to receive it at an infusion center. Deferoxamine can also be delivered with a specialized pump that patients wear at night while sleeping. The pump slowly delivers the correct dose over the course of eight hours. Possible side effects from this medication include an orange color in the urine, blurry vision or other visual changes, rash, hives, itching, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience dizziness, low blood pressure, cramps in the legs or stomach, fever, and rapid heartbeat. The long-term use of chelation therapy can lead to hearing loss, cataracts, and damage to the liver or kidneys. Doctors will decide when to begin using these medications after considering a patient's overall health, iron levels, and hemoglobin levels.

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