Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Iron Chelation Corner => Topic started by: Annie on April 14, 2009, 06:15:16 AM

Title: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Annie on April 14, 2009, 06:15:16 AM

Hello to all,
 I got my ferritin repot last month, it was 1100 around
but this is not a good news for me, Because my last ferritin level was 760 when i started Asunra.
so now I'm in great confusion and also scared that asunra is working or not. I asked to my
doctor, he said it's ok nothing to worry about and he suggested me to take desferal
and now I'm taking 30 desferal in a month. but i still have doubt for Asunra..
Please suggest me what to do should i take more desferal in a month?

take care

      

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Andy Battaglia on April 14, 2009, 06:22:38 AM

Hi Annie,

What is your daily dose of Asunra and what is your weight?

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Dori on April 14, 2009, 07:39:31 AM

Annie,

It took me 7 months before my ferritine started to come down. I have not retest it yet, because I hardly can believe a ferritin can drop in three weeks from 2400 to 1500. Though I know that there is a drop. From what I have heard it can takes over a year before you see any drop. Remember that Exjade makes iron free from your organs and that iron was not measure in the blood yet.

Good luck!!!

Best wishes Dore

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Annie on April 15, 2009, 06:11:52 AM

hello Andy,
my weight is 48 kg and i take 4 tabs of ASUNRA of 400mg daily.and 30 desferal per monnth.

HEY DOOR,
Thanx i heard that so..but i was little scared.

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Manal on April 15, 2009, 06:39:13 AM

Hi Annie

You are already taking the chelating dose of Asunra (30mg/kilo you are even exceeding  by a little bit). I suggest that you give it a little bit more time to find the expected results.

It is good too that you are using desferal until the Asunra shows its results, please do moniter your ferritin and keep us updated

manal

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Zaini on April 15, 2009, 08:38:44 AM

You are doing great Annie,just be patient, and you'll see the difference.

Zaini.

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Annie on April 16, 2009, 07:02:05 AM

hello,
thank you Manal and Zaini.
I was really scared, and I was seeking for some suggestions and help but now,
after talking to you all I'm feeling much confident.
And Manal thank you for the information about Asunra,
I did not know the ratio of 1kg/30mg and I'm taking 1600mg per day and my weight is 48 kg
is that fine?


Take Care

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Manal on April 16, 2009, 07:09:18 AM

Yes Annie, it is fine because according to your weight, your dose should be 1440mg daily (30mg/kilo). Though you can read that patients can take up to 40mg/kilo but studies on exjade/Asunra are done only on the 30mg/kilo and you are already exceeding it by another 3mg.

So i you have already reached the maxiumum dose that has been study

Good luck and i am sure that soon you will get the ferritin below 1000 again

manal

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Andy Battaglia on April 18, 2009, 08:27:58 PM

Annie,

You are on the correct dose but you do have to be patient, as Exjade does often take some time to show its results. It works a little differently than desferal and seems to be more effective at releasing tissue iron, so you won't see an immediate reflection of its activity in serum ferritin results. I've heard from many patients who saw their ferritin go up after starting Exjade but this is normal and after some months they do see things reverse and their ferritin drops. Removing iron from your tissue is far more important than removing it from ferritin.

Title: Re: what is better asunra or desferal
Post by: Annie on April 22, 2009, 07:01:03 AM

Hey All,
How are you,
thank you so much Andy , Manal for
encouraging me..and for the information
you guys are great


Take Care