blood disorders
Secondary Iron Overload
Treatment of Secondary Iron Overload
Removal of blood or chelation The goal of treatment is to reduce the body's iron content. For some people, treatment is to remove blood (phlebotomy). However, many people with secondary iron overload also have Overview of Anemia . Because phlebotomy worsens anemia, these people are given iron Iron chelation may be given by mouth usingdeferasiroxordeferiproneor by an infusion ofdeferoxamine, which can be given under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). Sometimesdeferasiroxanddeferipronecan be given together. Iron chelation drugs given by mouth are very effective in lowering the iron level in the body. Side effects of oral iron chelation include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash. The treatment sometimes causes liver and kidney damage, so blood tests are done periodically to monitor the function of these organs. Deferoxamineinfusion for iron chelation is usually given overnight. Side effects include digestive upset, low blood pressure, and severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Sometimes people have hearing and vision loss with long-term use. 