The three iron chelators

Deferoxamine (Desferal) is given as a slow infusion under the skin, usually overnight, about 5–7 nights a week (around 20–60 mg/kg). Very effective; eyesight and hearing are checked periodically, and the dose is eased if ferritin gets low.

Deferiprone (Ferriprox) is an oral tablet or liquid (about 75–100 mg/kg/day in divided doses). It’s especially good at clearing iron from the heart and is sometimes combined with deferoxamine. It needs a regular (often weekly) blood count, because it can rarely cause a dangerous drop in infection-fighting white cells (agranulocytosis).

Deferasirox (Exjade/Jadenu) is a once-daily oral tablet (about 14–28 mg/kg). Convenient, but kidney function (creatinine) and the liver are monitored, and it needs plenty of water. The best choice depends on your iron pattern, organs and lifestyle — and can change over time.