HI Aren
Where in kolkata do you live and who is your doctor?
I dont think Exjade will be available in India.
I think, one does not start Deferal until the Serrum Ferratin level crosses a certain figure..I think your child is still too young to start any kind of chealation, ofcourse, again your doctor will be the best judge and also depending on how frequently he is taking transfusion.
My daughter started Desferal at age 6-7.. today she is 30... and now for the past 1.5 years she is totally on Exjade.
But those days Desferal was not available as now..... so till age 14-15, she could not take the proper dosage of Deferal.. and later she took Desferal 4-5 nights a week.Inspite of that she has done well for herself so far..
So I guess , one can wait before starting Desferal, and moreover how does one prick a 18 month old baby every night, unless it is absolutly needed!!
If there is anything more you want to know, please be free to call me at : 98221 32780.
I too am a bengali.. maybe I can answer any other questions that you might have on Thal...
Shikha Mitra