How is haemochromatosis treated?

Haemochromatosis is treated by removing the excess iron from your body in a process called venesection, which involves removal of blood from the body, similar to donating blood. Up to 500mL can be taken at regular intervals (up to twice a week) to bring the level of iron in the blood into the healthy range. Once the iron level has returned to a healthy level, venesections may only be needed a few times each year. In cases where venesection may not be possible due to a pre-existing anemia, chelation therapies, that bind the iron and are then excreted through the urine, may be used.