Thalaisaemia drugs under the microscope

The Health Ministry will consult medical experts regarding the two drugs prescribed to Thalasaemia patients in the country.

This follows views expressed in certain media reports regarding the two drugs ‘Desferal’ and ‘Tailfer,’ said a Health Ministry press release.

The release said according to media reports certain patients who used the drug ‘Tailfer’ had developed complications. While there had been no complications reported from those using ‘Desferal’ both drugs ‘Talifer’ and ‘Desferal’ are issued free to patients by the Health Ministry.

Following recent reports Minister Maithripala Sirisena directed Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Maheepala to consult expert opinion once again about the two drugs and confine issues to one of this safe drugs.

The release said parents and children had complained to the minister about the matter when he visited the Kurunegala Thalasaemia centre recently.