Hypersensitivity reaction with deferasirox

Abstract

Thalassemias comprise a group of hereditary blood disorders. Thalassemia major presents with anemia within the first 2 years of life requiring frequent blood transfusions for sustaining life. Regular blood transfusions lead to iron overload‑related complications. Prognosis of thalassemia has improved because of the availability of iron‑chelating agents. Oral iron chelators are the mainstay of chelation therapy. Deferasirox is a new‑generation oral iron chelator for once daily usage. We herein describe a patient of beta thalassemia major who developed an allergic manifestation in the form of erythematous pruritic skin rashes to the oral iron chelator deferasirox. This is a rare adverse reaction reported with deferasirox that led to a therapeutic dilemma in this particular case.

Keywords: Deferasirox; rash; thalassemia