Understanding the Disease

Chronic Iron Overload (IO)

HOW DOES CHRONIC IO AFFECT YOU?

Multiple blood transfusions may put you at risk for chronic iron overload (IO)
  • Multiple blood transfusions may put you at risk for chronic iron overload (IO)
  • Blood diseases that may require transfusions include:
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Thalassemia
    • Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
    • Other types of anemias

 

WHY IS IRON CHELATION IMPORTANT?

Iron chelation is important

Iron chelation is:

  • A process that helps get rid of extra iron that has built up in your body
  • Usually a long-term treatment, and it may take several months for your iron levels to go down

 

If left untreated, iron can build up in the heart and liver”
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