Iron Pill Overdose: Is Deferasirox Safe and Effective in Treating Iron Toxicity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety and efficacy of Deferasirox, a chelating agent approved by the FDA in 2005, for treating iron toxicity. Participants highlight the risks associated with iron supplementation, particularly for individuals at risk of iron overload, such as adult men and postmenopausal women. Deferasirox is noted for having fewer side effects compared to its predecessor, Deferoxamine, which can cause nephrotoxicity. However, Deferasirox is associated with serious risks, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage and liver failure, particularly at high doses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of iron metabolism and the risks of iron overload.
  • Knowledge of chelation therapy and its applications in treating iron toxicity.
  • Familiarity with the FDA approval process for pharmaceuticals.
  • Awareness of the side effects associated with Deferasirox and Deferoxamine.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of action and side effects of Deferasirox.
  • Study the clinical guidelines for iron supplementation and monitoring iron levels.
  • Explore the implications of iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
  • Investigate alternative treatments for iron toxicity, including phlebotomy and dietary adjustments.
USEFUL FOR

Healthcare professionals, particularly those in hematology and internal medicine, as well as patients dealing with iron overload conditions and those considering iron supplementation.

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I have seen that the recommended daily intake of iron for adults is 45 mg/day. I've seen even lower estimates. These iron pills that I bought contain 50 mg of iron and give 278% of your daily value intake. The instructions say take two tablets daily.

Isn't this a bit extreme or am I not getting something?
 
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Why are you taking iron supplements? Have you been tested as anemic and advised to take supplements by a doctor?

The recommended daily intake of iron for males age 19 to 50 years is only 8 mg. This is easily obtained from a balanced diet.

Who should be cautious about taking iron supplements?

Iron deficiency is uncommon among adult men and postmenopausal women. These individuals should only take iron supplements when prescribed by a physician because of their greater risk of iron overload. Iron overload is a condition in which excess iron is found in the blood and stored in organs such as the liver and heart.

The body excretes very little iron, please see a doctor. The upper limit for iron is 45mg per day, and again, such supplements should only be under a doctor's supervision when medically necessary. See table 5.

See table 3 http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
 
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A good leeching can get rid of excess iron.
 
SteamKing said:
A good leeching can get rid of excess iron.

What do you mean by "leeching"? Do you mean chelation therapy?

http://www.aamds.org/node/114
 
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No, I mean putting actual leeches on your body, like they used to do. Bloodsuckers, you know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leech

Leeches also produce a powerful natural anticoagulant. They were studied and used experimentally in the 1980s to aid in microsurgery used to reattach body parts. If you want to get rid of excess iron, take a couple of leeches and call your doctor in the morning.
 
Of course, if you don't like leeches, then you can get a phlebotomy (blood letting) on a regular basis.
 
SteamKing said:
No, I mean putting actual leeches on your body, like they used to do. Bloodsuckers, you know.

I thought you might mean that but was afraid to ask, not because it's bad (it's an approved treatment) but because I didn't know how you felt about such things.
 
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They're leeches, you know. I can take 'em or leave 'em ... or leave 'em ... dang it ... or leave 'em.
 
Apparently, according to WebMD.com, the average person only absorbs 10% of ingested iron, while people with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 30%, which can cause iron poisoning.

I have poor diverse food intake and wake up groggy even after more than 8 hours of sleep. I can sleep for 12 hours sometimes. I figured that iron would lower my fatigue.
 
  • #10
Vodkacannon said:
Apparently, according to WebMD.com, the average person only absorbs 10% of ingested iron, while people with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 30%, which can cause iron poisoning.

I have poor diverse food intake and wake up groggy even after more than 8 hours of sleep. I can sleep for 12 hours sometimes. I figured that iron would lower my fatigue.
Too much iron *causes* fatigue. Don't self diagnose, please get checked by a doctor.
 
  • #11
Vodkacannon said:
Apparently, according to WebMD.com, the average person only absorbs 10% of ingested iron, while people with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 30%, which can cause iron poisoning.

I have poor diverse food intake and wake up groggy even after more than 8 hours of sleep. I can sleep for 12 hours sometimes. I figured that iron would lower my fatigue.
Adding to what Evo said... if you need more encouragement to go see a doctor then read up a bit more about haemochromatosis:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haemochromatosis

Iron overload gradually causes damages to various other major organs (heart, liver, pancreas, to name a few).

(I'm not saying this is necessarily what's wrong with you -- there's lots of other things than could cause fatigue, e.g., liver cirrhosis if your username "Vodkacannon" indicates your actual drinking habits. You need to get a professional diagnosis sooner rather than later.)
 
  • #12
a chelating therapy would overall decrease the symptoms of iron toxicity Deferoxamine and now a new with very less side effects Deferasirox can be used.
note: all these are generic names.
 
  • #13
Manish7 said:
a chelating therapy would overall decrease the symptoms of iron toxicity Deferoxamine and now a new with very less side effects Deferasirox can be used.
According to Wikipedia, Deferasirox is not risk-free, and has a rather large question mark hanging over its use.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferasirox
Wikipedia said:
Risks (of Deferasirox):
Deferasirox was the #2 drug on the list of 'Most frequent suspected drugs in reported patient deaths' compiled by the Institute for Safe Medical Practices in 2009. There were 1320 deaths reported, perhaps explained by an update to the ADE data of Novartis, and a new boxed warning about gastrointestinal haemorrhage as well as kidney and liver failure.

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferoxamine

Chelation therapy in general sounds like something not to be undertaken lightly:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelation_therapy
 
  • #14
From what I've been reading, it appears that chelation therapy is the last resort.
 
  • #15
you have not focussed , that deferasirox is approved by FDA in 2005.also the symptoms of iron toxicity in acute condition like vomit.,diarrhoea,pain abdomen,coma are much more severe than its side efeects especially in developing countries but not in developed nations.
also note that deferoxamine causes nephrotoxicity as it is excreted in yrine but deferasirox is excreted in bile
so no chance of nephrotoxicity but it causes liver and gastric haemorrhage only in high doses administered !
 

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