Need your advice on splitting the dose

Dear friends!

I am very thankful for this site, as we find a lot of useful information and knowledge.

Our Thal Intermedia girl has been on Exjade since May 2011, when her ferritin was approx 550. She is transfused every 7th week. We started carefully with 125mg pr day (approx 10mg pr kilo, as she is 13kg now). This is not enough as her ferritin is approx 870 now, so the dose is raised to 15mg/kilo.

My question: She has taken the Exjade mixed in orange juice on empty stomach every morning. Now her dose is 15mg pr kilo and our doctor has suggested taking 125mg 3 times a week and 250mg 4 times a week. As we have read on this forum that splitting the dose gives the best chellation, we are doing like this: Every day she takes 125mg in the morning as usual, 4 times a week she gets additional 125mg in the afternoon, minimum 30 minutes before dinner (approx 4:30 PM). Are we doing it right??? The reason for taking it in the afternoon is that this is the only time her stomach is quite empty. She is only 4 years old, and need dinner plus food before bedtime.
Is it enough time (approx 9 ½ hours) between the two doses?

I will be thankful for your advices!

The timing is good. It should give 24 hour chelation. Also, since Exjade can now be taken with a variety of soft foods and liquids, if there is any difficulty giving it with juice you can try other foods too. The important thing is to make sure she is getting her full dose daily, so you can be flexible with when the doses are taken as long as the dose is always taken. I encourage people to find what works best for them.

Hi Babynorth
Like Andy said the timing is good.Another thing I would like to add is you don't have to wait for 30 minutes for giving exjade. I just give him the dose at the times I have assigned and care less if has just had anything to eat or if he has something soon after.

maha

Thank you both for your useful answers. We have not tried soft foods or other drinks, but it is good to know if she should get tired of orange juice 
It is also good to know that the stomack not necessarely need to be empty, and that she can have food quite soon after. There are times when she is really hungry, and it has been difficult to wait.

Thanks again!