Best Iron Chelator for iron overload
Top-rated pick: Deferasirox — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 6 Iron Chelator drugs used for iron overload, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for iron overload or the full Iron Chelator class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 6 iron chelator drugs we rate for iron overload, 4 are available as lower-cost generics, and most are powder. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for iron overload; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How iron chelator work
Iron chelators grab onto excess free iron in the blood and tissues, locking it into a stable complex the body can no longer use. This bound iron is then flushed out in the urine or stool, lowering dangerous iron overload from repeated transfusions or other causes.
Top iron chelator for iron overload: 1. Deferasirox · 2. Exjade · 3. Ferriprox
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Powder | Generic | $38 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $38 | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Solution | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Prescription | Powder | Generic | $38 | View → | |
| 5 | 70/100 | Prescription | Powder | Generic | $38 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | No data | — | View → |
Full ranking · 6 drugs
deferasirox
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Deferasirox is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$26.25/30· 2 forms
exjade
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Exjade (Deferasirox) is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$26.25/30· 2 formsferriprox
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Ferriprox (Deferiprone) is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Price varies
jadenu
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Jadenu (Deferasirox) is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$26.25/30· 2 formsjadenu sprinkle
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Jadenu Sprinkle (Deferasirox) is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$26.25/30· 2 formsdeferiprone
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Deferiprone is an iron chelator used to treat Iron Overload.
Price varies
Frequently asked
- What is the best iron chelator for iron overload?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — deferasirox ranks highest among Iron Chelator drugs used for iron overload. Always consult a professional.
- Which iron chelator drugs treat iron overload?
- pharmaranks lists 6 Iron Chelator products used for iron overload, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.