Ferriprox vs. Exjade

Hello everyone,

My mother has just been told she needs to take exjade to remove iron buildup from blood transfusions. She is concerned about the side effects and I was wondering if ferriprox would be a better choice. Does anyone know what the differences are?

Many thanks.

Anna

Dear Anna,

Exjade and L1 each have their set of possible side effects, therefore anyone taking them should be carefully monitored.  Many small children are taking exjade without any issues.  My 10 year old son takes exjade and he has not had any problems with it so far (thank god). 

I think that the suitability for each patient may be different.  L1, if it has side effects, are usually related to lowered white blood cell counts, swelling in joints etc.  Exjade's possible side effects are related to liver and kidneys (effects reverse once medication is stopped).  But not everyone suffers the side effects therefore just be sure to monitor her regardless of which chelator she uses.  I don't know if L1 is available for use in North America - exjade is more widely available.  When I asked docs in Oakland about which chelator is better they said that they felt safer using exjade for my son.    Desferal is another chelator that is widely used, it is probably the most well understood chelator as it has been used for almost 40 years now.  Desferal requires placing a needle underneath the skin, usually on the belly, arms or thighs - the needle is attached to a pump that infuses desferal for 10 - 12 hours 5 - 7 nights a week. 

I hope that this helps, best of luck to your mom and I hope that the iron is quickly chelated from her body. 

Sharmin

Hi Anna,

As long as your mom has no prior history of kidney or liver problems, I would say use Exjade. If she has had any problems such as kidney stones or hepatitis, I would recommend Ferriprox instead. Ferriprox can cause joint pain in some patients, but it is an excellent chelator. If there is any history of arthritis, your mom may want to avoid Ferriprox. Do you know how high her ferritin level is?

One more very important question. For what reason has your mother needed to transfuse? What condition has caused the blood loss?

 Hi Serpentgurl ,
 

BEst Regards
Take CAre
Umair