Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Major => Topic started by: FatsT on January 30, 2018, 10:32:09 PM

Title: WBC
Post by: FatsT on January 30, 2018, 10:32:09 PM
Does Exjade (deferasirox) cause WBC to drop?
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: Andy Battaglia on January 31, 2018, 02:11:59 AM
It can. It happens more in older patients being treated for conditions besides thalassemia. It is listed in the precautions for Exjade.
https://www.rxlist.com/exjade-drug.htm#P

Quote
Bone Marrow Suppression
Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, worsening anemia, and thrombocytopenia, including fatal events, have been reported in patients treated with Exjade. Preexisting hematologic disorders may increase this risk. Monitor blood counts in all patients. Interrupt treatment with Exjade in patients who develop cytopenias until the cause of the cytopenia has been determined. Exjade is contraindicated in patients with platelet counts below 50 x 109 /L.
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: FatsT on January 31, 2018, 06:24:17 AM
If it has dropped, but it's still in normal range, what do you suggest I do?
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: Andy Battaglia on January 31, 2018, 06:34:28 PM
There is no reason for concern if it's in the normal range. Every time you get tested, the level will be different. It's not cause for concern.
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: FatsT on January 31, 2018, 07:34:43 PM
It was constantly between 9000-11000. It has now reached 6000? Is this not something to worry about ?
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: Andy Battaglia on January 31, 2018, 08:57:14 PM
It's still well within the normal range. Have you taken Exjade for long?
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: FatsT on January 31, 2018, 09:38:54 PM
I've only started it 3 months ago
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: Andy Battaglia on January 31, 2018, 11:01:09 PM
Just continue to have your white cell count monitored. This has not been an issue for thalassemics using Exjade. The more common problems with Exjade are elevated liver function values and elevated serum creatinine. These should already be monitored for all patients using Exjade.
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: FatsT on February 01, 2018, 09:19:30 PM
Is it okay to take magnesium if you're on exjade?
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: Andy Battaglia on February 09, 2018, 09:29:22 PM
Yes it is, but any supplements containing minerals should not be taken at the same time as the Exjade, as they can react with the Exjade and lessen its iron chelating effects, so make sure there is a several hour gap before taking any minerals.
Title: Re: WBC
Post by: IF on February 25, 2018, 12:24:06 AM
Thank you Andy.
 I have brought this to the attention of the MDs especially my hematologist. I stated " I felt not balanced." My thyroid was off and so wasn't my thalassemia.