Explanation

Iron chelators are medicines that you take to remove iron from your body if too much of it has built up. You will probably need to take iron chelators if you have thalassaemia. If the extra iron is not removed, it can travel through your bloodstream to organs like your liver and heart and stop them working properly.

There are different types of iron chelators. Some are taken by mouth and some are given through a 'drip' under your skin. Sometimes combinations of iron chelators are used, so your doctor will decide which is most suitable for you.

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about iron chelators in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.