KELFER 500MG CAPSULE

Introduction:

Kelfer 500mg Capsule is used for treating iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusion in thalassemia patients. It is recommended when current chelation therapy is considered inadequate. Thalassemia patients suffer from excessive destruction of RBC which is why they require repeated blood transfusion. Kelfer 500mg Capsule is preferred for its low cost and lesser side effect profile. Ensure that your physician monitors your blood parameters regularly to avoid neutropenia and agranulocytosis.

Uses of Kelfer 500mg Capsule:

• Treatment of iron overload due to blood transfusion.
• Treatment of iron poisoning.

How Kelfer 500mg Capsule Works:

Kelfer 500mg Capsule is a chelating agent with an affinity for ions of iron (ferric ions). Chelating agents are drugs that prevent or reverse the toxic effects of heavy metal on the body’s enzymes or cells. Kelfer 500mg Capsule forms a complex by binding with ferric ions and facilitates removing excess iron from the body. It is more efficient to reduce the iron concentration in the heart but not effectively reduce iron from the liver.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More Information:

Store at a temperature not more than 30˚C, away from sight and reach of children. 

References:

1. Chiesi Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2020] [Accessed on 5th May 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10908.pdf 
2. Apotex Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2019] [Accessed on 5th May 2021],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021825s004lbl.pdf 
3. Michael J. Kosnett, Heavy Metal Intoxication & Chelators, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 1020-1034.
4. KD Tripathi, Chelating Agents, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 964-967.

How to use Kelfer 500mg Capsule:

Take Kelfer 500mg Capsule as suggested by your physician. Your physician will prescribe the dose according to your weight.     

Safety Advice: 

Pregnancy:

Inform your physician before taking Kelfer 500mg Capsule if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Breastfeeding: 

Kelfer 500mg Capsule passes through breast milk. Consult your physician for advice before breastfeeding.

Liver: 

Inform your physician before taking Kelfer 500mg Capsule if you have liver problems.

Kidney:

Inform your physician before taking Kelfer 500mg Capsule if you have kidney problems.

Allergies:

Inform your physician straight away if you experience allergic reactions to Kelfer 500mg Capsule or its ingredients

Others:

• Inform your physician if you have diseases related to low blood counts such as neutropenia or agranulocytosis.
• Inform your physician immediately if you develop infections after starting the treatment.
• Female patients of reproductive age should use an effective method of contraception.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Very low neutrophil count that could increase the risk of developing life threatening infections
• Fever, sore-throat, flu-like symptoms

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting and stomach pain
• Increased liver enzyme values
• Arthralgia
• Reddish or brown discolouration of urine
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Increased appetite