Iron pills

Is it okay to take iron pills? I have always been anemic off and on, so I am taking iron pills right now. Since I just found out I have hep c 2 months ago then I dont know. I thought I would ask here because I am not scheduled to see my doctor anytime soon.
thank you, peaches

[Bill1954]

Hi Peaches,

Some HCV patients have troubled with iron storage, resulting in additional damage to their liver. Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise, it’s probably best to wait and ask him/her before initiating supplemental iron.

A good hepatologist/GI doc will order an ‘iron study’ to determine if you are indeed iron deficient or if you have problems with excess iron in your liver. This is a rather simple blood test, and can be ordered in addition to other routine labs.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with HCV, it’s always a good idea to discuss any changes to your medications, including OTC supplements, etc with your doctor. Even seemingly simple things like vitamins or so called natural supplements can make a difference in how we manage our disease.

Good luck and take care—

--Bill