Hemochromatosis Medication

Updated: Apr 03, 2017
  • Author: Andrea Duchini, MD; Chief Editor: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Chelation therapy with deferoxamine-induced iron depletion is administered in people with C282Y homozygosity unable to undergo phlebotomy. However, compliance and acceptability of deferoxamine therapy in patients with nonhemochromatosis iron overload is poor.

The oral chelators, deferiprone and deferasirox, also remove iron from hepatocytes, the primary site of excess iron deposition in HFE -associated hemochromatosis, but there are no reports of the use of these drugs in people with C282Y homozygosity. [105, 106]

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Antidote-iron toxicity

Class Summary

Antidotes for iron toxicity are used in patients with hemochromatosis that is associated with significant anemia or severe end-organ involvement.

Deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal)

Deferoxamine is the agent of choice used in people with C282Y homozygosity unable to undergo phlebotomy.

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