taking iron pill

I am stressed out now because I was taking iron pills that my famiy doctor put me on because being an anemic from a heavy menstrual cycle, but the gi doctor that is in with my gi told the treatment nurse for me to stop taking it until they got more blood work back. Well my gi doctor just called me and said that I need to start taking them again, when I told her I was worried about it , she said that the iron pills was the lesser of the two evils. Does this sound right to you? it seems one thing after another with this.

peachy

[carol411]

Too much iron is a bad thing and it helps the virus reproduce.  But you don't have enough iron.  Listen to your doctor.  He has all the information about your particular situation and is being paid to do what is best for you.  I think you are getting good advice.

Carol

[Bill1954]

Some folks with HCV have iron storage problems; that group needs to closely monitor their iron intake to protect their liver from damage. If your doctor has reviewed your lab results and determined that you require supplemental iron, then by all means, do as he says.

I can’t recall if you’re currently in treatment for your HCV or not; if so, the ribavirin can cause additional anemia; it’s a good thing your doctor is on top of all this.

Good luck,

Bill

[Willy50]

My take is that is you are anemic due to low iron then it is certainly the correct course of action.  The only person who probably knows this is your GI.  Iron, per se is not harmful when in established bounds.  Many people, many heppers think that IRON is harmful but what I think they mean is excess iron may be harmful.  In practice, I've seen fewer doctors worry about slight out of range elevations.  

If there is a question, it is a good time to get copies of your labs and (and if need be) discuss them with the doctor or their NP.

Willy

[Susan_1a_CC]

My doc also has me on iron.  Some of us do need it, I think that you can rest easy.  

[peaches45]

Hi Bill, no i am not on treatment. I just had a liver biopsy yesterday. I got put on the iron pills  by my family doctor 2 and half months ago because of being anemic. when i went to see the GI doctor she didn't mention it and 2 weeks ago I had to go in for more blood work and my iron is still low so she wants me on the iron pills, but I am scared because I thought they will damage my liver even more. thanks

[peaches45]

Hi Susan, why are you on iron? Are you doing treatment now?

[Susan_1a_CC]

I am on iron because my iron stores were low, (still menstruating.)  My hematologist said they would continue to drop over time if I didn't take iron.  I started iron and had my blood rechecked 30 days later and was doing much better.  I am still taking iron and I am in my first week of tx.  I have switched to a slow release iron and take it midday.  Doing okay - only complaint was one night and 1/2 day of nausea.

[Trish77]

While for the most part, people with HCV shouldn't take iron supplements, there are some situations where iron is required if your levels are too low and sounds like hers are.  Same if you are on treatment and you have anemia, if your iron levels are too low, the procrit won't work as well, it requires sufficient iron stores to be effective.  So some people on treatment who are also on procrit may be told by their GI to take iron supplements.  

[Trish77]

"sounds like hers are" ... sorry...sounds like YOURS are....guess I was thinking out loud...:)