Iron Chelation Therapy

(kee-LAY-shun) A drug therapy to remove extra iron from the body. Patients with high blood iron (ferritin) levels may receive iron chelation therapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administratin (FDA) has approved two iron chelators to treat iron overload iron overload: A condition that occurs when too much iron accumulates in the body. Bone marrow failure disease patients who need regular red blood cell transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Organ damage can occur if iron overload is not treated. in the U.S. - deferasirox deferasirox: It comes in a tablet form which is dissolved in juice or water and taken by mouth. Iron build-up can occur in patients who get a lot of red blood cell transfusions. Deferasirox binds with the iron in the body and is removed by the kidneys. Bone marrow failure disease patients are at risk for… , an oral iron chelator, and deferoxamine deferoxamine: Deferoxamine is an iron-binding agent that belongs to a class of drugs known as heavy metal antagonists. It works by helping the kidneys and gallbladder get rid of the extra iron. , a liquid given by injection.