Does anyone thing it odd to be prescribed iron pills while on treatment?

For those of us on the study, we CAN NOT be prescribed any rescue drugs, either for how hemoglobin or low wbc counts for 12 weeks, no matter how low our levels go. In spite of that, I'm finding it really odd to be told to take iron pills.  I'm not terribly familiar with this but, from everything I've read, I thought we weren't supposed to take even a multi vitamin with iron in it. I thought I'd throw this out there for anyone that has any experience with this.

Thanks much, Char

[prettydamscared]

Thanks for that bit of insight.  No, no iron tests ordered but it is helpful to know they possibly should have been and I'm glad to know about folic acid.  That seems like a pretty benign supplement to take.

Thanks, CHar

[bnowik]

HECK..............
I TAKE TWO IRON TABLETS PLUS AND WAS TOLD TO ADD ANOTHER TABLET PER DAY. I ALSO EAT SO MUCH IRON IN MY FOOD INTAKE.  ALL THAT PLUS I GET THOSE SHOTS IN EACH ARM FOR MY HEMOGLOBIN.

[NYgirl]

Iron is essential for viral replication.  So that is why they tell us NO IRON as it stimulates viral action.

I can't imagine any reason any doctor would SAY to take it - considering my doctor told me I shouldn't even eat out of cast iron pans and I should watch the foods that I eat for too much iron.

I won't take anything that helps replication I tell you that.  It is completely sounding like it defeats the entire purpose of treatment.

TAke one thing to kill them and one thing to help them grow?????

[NYgirl]

That doesn't even make any sense.  I really think you need to check with another doctor.

[roaming]

I was surprised by that too. Dr. told us vitamin with no iron. The iron can accumalate (sp) and is hard on the liver. In fact was told to not eat to much spinach (anything with iron really, I just remember that one)and suggested not to use cast iron cookware.

[GoofyDad]

Iron is required for your body to produce red blood cells. Generally, we have enough iron and don't need any extra. If you have Hep C or other liver ailments, extra iron is generally a bad idea. But, if you're having trouble with your RBC counts and your iron is insufficient, then taking supplemental iron would be neccessary. Have you had an Iron Study blood test? That measures iron and ferritin levels and will tell you whether you need extra.

I should add that normally, when I've heard of supplemental iron on tx, it's in the context of supporting procrit stimulated RBC production. Folic Acid is also used in that context. I took 1 gram daily. Also, remember that completing tx is paramount, if taking iron for the short term might help that goal, I for one wouldn't worry much about it's possible adverse affects.

Good Luck!

[bobbyullc]

yes,,,,,

but, you may have an iron deficiency. ask him???
bobby

[hippygem]

Im geno 3, fibrosis 2, relapser, I was taking Iron during tx, I wasnt told that it could replicate the virus, guess they didnt know that in 2004, I am also left wondering if the Iron was another cause of relapsing, seeing that geno 3 is one of the easiest to cure, makes you wonder doesnt it.  I wonder if any of the other geno 3 relapsers were taking anything else during tx that they shouldnt have been.

Linda

[Tater-ToT]

LoL...

[Algernon]

When I was anemic, my doc had me take an iron supplement.  I was on Procrit and iron helps the Procrit to be more effective (see the package insert).  

I was worried too but my doc knows a fair bit about this stuff.  My iron stores were not high to begin with--maybe that's where the problem lies for some folks.

All that said, I took less iron than I was told to take--mostly because of what I heard here from people who aren't doctors.  Go figure.

I don't know if I'll be a true SVR, but I was still clear at 4 and 12 weeks post.

[drofi]

Riba kills ery's, so on tx it is the question of body's balance between building up new cells and the loss of cells. To build erys, the body needs proteins (has enough), iron for the hemoglobin (should be added only when there is *not* enough, since it makes little sense to add an extra if there *is* enough, and to much could be harmfull for the liver), needs a lot of folic acid and vitamin B12. Those vitamins have a huge therapuetic "window", as we say in Germany, that means  you can add a lot without toxic effects to support the synthesis of erys.
Did I get it?

drofi

[Tater-ToT]

It depends on what your iron levels already are & the amount of liver damage... ect...Ect... Yaddie Yaddie Yadda....

As with everything else pertaining to HCV & Ones treatment, INDIVIDUALITY Plays a Major Part Of The Equation! So what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander....

Some folks CAN'T afford the least little bit of added iron... Thus for example they might be told to take a vitamin like Centrum Senior (without any added iron).... While others can't even use particular brands of mouthwash due to alcohol content.... which also does not apply to everyone...

I know when I was first diagnosed I was even worried about cooking my cornbread in a cast iron skillet.... I guess sometimes (& it's human nature)we tend to emphisize on things that may not be so important or critical in other individuals!

It might very well be that you have a deficiancy, or that it might be to help with anemia since you can not get any boosters to help you along! Check with your Dr about your own individual circumstances... !!!
:)

[prettydamscared]

Thank you all for your responses.  I think the answer is that there needs to be a iron/ferritin test done first to determine if I am truly anemic and I need to be sure the directive is coming from my doctor and not just my study nurse.

Thanks again, everyone.

[fresnoborn]

I really can't say whether to take iron or not. I think maybe it depends of the condition of your liver. I usually do not take iron for fear that it could help replicate the virus. however, during week 12 of tx i had to have a hysterectomy because i had become severely anemic. while i was recovering in the hospital my doctor insisted that i take iron supplements because i was very anemic. i think sometimes there are exceptions to the rule. i took the iron for about 2 weeks during tx just to get back to normal again. after that i stopped taking the iron. i still reached svr and am now 13 weeks post tx. good luck to you and keep us informed. have a nice weekend. :)