are high ferritin levels in blood normal,when there is increased red blood cell production?

Question

Im currently under viral treatment consisting of ribavivarin and interferon,this has stripped some of the red blood cells out of my system,red blood cell production has gone up( to compensate i assume),but recent a check of iron levels shows elevated ferritin(almost doubled)while iron levels stay normal ...is this a result of the body cycling up for increased red blood cell production?

Answer 1

elevated ferritin levels can indicate an iron overload. the iron found in the hemoglobin of your red blood cells hangs around even after the cells are destroyed. are you currently receiving iron therapy? i would suggest a consultation with a hematologist or another specialist as suggested by your physician. i would definitely go for the second opinion. i'm not familiar with interferon and other anti-viral therapies, so it could just be a normal thing. i would still check it out.