Iron Chelation Therapy

Also known as: chelation therapy.

What is iron chelation therapy?

Iron chelation therapy is a treatment used to remove excess iron from the blood. When individuals have to get many blood transfusions, iron overload can become a problem for them. When people have sickle cell disease, iron chelation therapy in the form of deferoxamine (Jadenu) has been shown to enhance iron excretion and remove excess tissue iron in regularly transfused patients.

What happens during the treatment?

Older forms of iron chelation therapy come in the form of an infusion pump that must be worn for 8 to 12 hours in order to inject the medication into the body. Newer forms of iron chelation therapy come in a tablet form that is either taken with juice or water or simply swallowed once a day. These newer forms of iron chelation therapy have good tolerance and are becoming the preferred method of treatment. Jadenu is one of these tablet forms of iron chelation therapy.

Is any special preparation needed?

Tests are needed in advance to determine if iron chelation therapy treatment is needed. Some of the treatments, such as Jadenu, must be taken on an empty stomach.

What are the risk factors?

Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and hearing or vision problems are potential side effects of iron chelation therapy.

Reviewed by: Athena C Pefkarou, MD

This page was last updated on: 9/16/2025 12:49:24 PM

Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute

The Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is transforming pediatric cancer care to make sure no child has to leave Florida for leading-edge cancer treatment. Our specialists provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for more pediatric cancer patients than any other facility in South Florida, leading the way through investments in groundbreaking research focused on new cures, treatments and diagnostic procedures.

Learn More

Sickle Cell/Hemoglobinopathies Program

For over 30 years we've strived to offer a comprehensive, patient family focused health care delivery system that integrates local community resources.

Learn More
Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Beta Thalassemia Major Beta thalassemia is an abnormality in the production of beta chains which causes the red cells to more easily breakdown resulting in mild to severe anemia. It is more common in Mediterranean (Italian or Greek), African or Southeast Asian peoples
Hgb H Constant Spring Hemoglobin H – constant spring is a particular severe form of Hgb H disease that can cause of number of problems.
Hgb E/B 0 Thalassemia When someone has both abnormal hemoglobin and thalassemia, one possibility is that they have Hgb E/B 0 thalassemia.
Hgb H Disease Hemoglobin H disease is a form of alpha thalassemia, a medical condition in which the body makes less hemoglobin than usual.
Chronic Transfusion Therapy/Hypertransfusion Therapy Chronic transfusion therapy is a form of blood transfusion that is repeated on a “chronic,” or regular, basis.
Exchange Transfusion Therapy Exchange transfusion therapy is a form of blood transfusion in which the body’s blood is removed and replaced.
Hypertransfusion Management Hypertransfusion management is a form of blood transfusion that’s aimed at reducing the risk of complications such as stroke in patients with sickle cell disease.