Thalassemia Treatments

Blood Transfusions

You may require blood transfusions. These are done to replace abnormal red blood cells with healthy new ones.

Iron Chelation Therapy

Excess iron can accumulate in the body after repeated blood transfusions. Too much iron can damage the heart, liver, and other vital organs. A drug call deferoxamine (Desferal) can be given to bind to excess iron in the body. It is then carried out through the urine. This drug is given through the skin or by vein using a small infusion pump.

There is a new drug for thei therapy called deferasirox (Exjade). It can be given as a drink, mixed with water or juice.

Splenectomy

This surgery is done to remove the spleen. It may help reduce the number of blood transfusions that are needed.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Healthy stem cells from a donor's bone marrow are injected into your vein. The new cells travel through the bloodstream to the bone cavities. There they can produce new blood cells, including red blood cells. This is usually only done in severe cases. A compatible sibling donor is required.