Hemochromatosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Hemochromatosis

is a disease that causes your body to store too much iron. Extra iron builds up in your heart, liver, and joints. Hemochromatosis may be caused by genes that you inherit from your parents. You may also develop hemochromatosis as a result of other conditions such as liver disease, or from long-term blood transfusions. Without treatment, iron buildup can cause diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, and other health problems. You may be at risk for broken bones. Hemochromatosis can be life-threatening if not treated.

Signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis

may be worse if you eat foods that are high in iron or you drink alcohol. Women may have milder symptoms because iron levels are lowered through blood lost during monthly periods. You may have any of the following:

• Weakness or fatigue (being more tired than usual)
• Loss of body hair or bronze to gray skin
• Joint swelling, stiffness, or pain
• Abdominal pain
• Impotence or lack of sex drive
• Infertility or loss of monthly periods
• More thirst or hunger than usual, or urinating more often than usual

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have pain in your chest, back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
• You are suddenly short of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have severe abdominal pain.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor or specialist if:

• Your symptoms return or get worse.
• You have a fever.
• You have a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

Hemochromatosis cannot be cured. You may need the following to manage your symptoms:

• Phlebotomy is used to take small amounts of blood to help decrease the amount of extra iron in your body. You may need to have this done regularly, or when your iron levels get higher than your healthcare provider recommends.
• Medicines may be needed for other health conditions caused by hemochromatosis. Some examples are thyroid disease, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, impotence, and heart disease.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• deferasirox

Manage hemochromatosis:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about iron. Do not have foods or drinks that have added iron. Food sources that are naturally high in iron may be okay for you to have. Iron is found in red meat, such as beef, spinach, raisins, egg yolks, and oatmeal. Your provider or a dietitian can help you create meal plans with the right amount of iron for you.
• Do not take iron supplements. Read labels. Do not take vitamins or supplements with iron in them.
• Do not take vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C increases the amount of iron you absorb. Food sources that are naturally high in vitamin C may be okay for you to have. Vitamin C is found in foods such as oranges, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and potatoes. Your provider or a dietitian can help you create meal plans with the right amount of vitamin C for you.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol increases iron absorption and increases your risk of liver damage.
• Avoid raw seafood. Do not eat or touch raw seafood. You are more likely to get an infection from these foods.

Follow up with your doctor or specialist as directed:

You may need to return regularly to have your iron checked or your blood drawn. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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