Hemochromatosis Support Group
Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by improper processing by the body of dietary iron which causes iron to accumulate in a number of body tissues, eventually causing organ dysfunction. It is the main iron overload disorder. Hemochromatosis is notorious for having symptoms that are often initially misattributed to other diseases.
Hi all!
I wanted to share an experience that I had last week and get any thoughts on this. Last year, I took a prescription medication (Chloroquine) for the treatment of a related iron-overload condition called porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) that caused me to become very sick; it elevated my liver enzymes and caused me to have chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, etc. I took half a pill (the recommended dose) and no more. This past week, I saw my gynecologist for my annual visit. Because estrogen makes PCT worse, I can no longer take it. I asked my physician to prescribe something to help me manage anxiety since I can no longer count on that through oral contraceptives. He prescribed Effexor, 75 mg. I took one pill and later that night had severe diarrhea followed by terrible abdominal cramping and nausea (no vomiting this time - thank goodness). I could barely eat anything the next day and was quite weak; needless to say, I did not take any more doses of Effexor. I did some research and found that Effexor is consumed mostly by the liver and can increase liver enzymes. Obviously, I am not going to take any more of those pills and will ask my hematologist about the use of anti-depressants at my phlebotomy on Friday.
My questions is this: has anyone else ever experienced medication problems with HH? I know I can't take Tylenol because it can damage the liver, but I didn't realize that so many medications may have complications because of my compromised liver and HH. Thanks for any help with this!
I wanted to share an experience that I had last week and get any thoughts on this. Last year, I took a prescription medication (Chloroquine) for the treatment of a related iron-overload condition called porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) that caused me to become very sick; it elevated my liver enzymes and caused me to have chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, etc. I took half a pill (the recommended dose) and no more. This past week, I saw my gynecologist for my annual visit. Because estrogen makes PCT worse, I can no longer take it. I asked my physician to prescribe something to help me manage anxiety since I can no longer count on that through oral contraceptives. He prescribed Effexor, 75 mg. I took one pill and later that night had severe diarrhea followed by terrible abdominal cramping and nausea (no vomiting this time - thank goodness). I could barely eat anything the next day and was quite weak; needless to say, I did not take any more doses of Effexor. I did some research and found that Effexor is consumed mostly by the liver and can increase liver enzymes. Obviously, I am not going to take any more of those pills and will ask my hematologist about the use of anti-depressants at my phlebotomy on Friday.
My questions is this: has anyone else ever experienced medication problems with HH? I know I can't take Tylenol because it can damage the liver, but I didn't realize that so many medications may have complications because of my compromised liver and HH. Thanks for any help with this!
I too believed that Tylenol was hard on the liver and have stayed away from it for over 25 years. HOWEVER, in normal doses IT IS safe. I was getting ready to start interferron and ribavarion when I was diagnosed with HH. I will start treatment as soon as my Ferritin drops. I was instructed to take two tylenols one hour prior to my injection. I objected saying I've been told to stay away from it. The doc said "normal doses" and don't exceed the dose, take only as needed. Lots of side affects from the "chemo" and tylenol will help. He also told me to stay away from Advil.
I haven't had any problems with meds, but then I take baby doses due to the fact I have a low tolerance because I am so afraid of putting anything in my body.
Just remember - all anti-depressants come with sides. It takes a good two weeks to get used to them. There are a lot that process through the kidneys.
I think that it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. I have a terrific pharmacist that I talk to about my medications. Maybe you could talk to a pharmacist as well and get some suggestions from him/her that you might discuss with your doctor.
Take care,
Milo
As with everything, even herbal supplements, good idea to discuss with doc.