This medication is used to treat ongoing high levels of iron in the body caused by multiple blood transfusions. It is also used to treat high levels of iron in people with a certain blood disorder who do not require blood transfusions (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). It works by binding to iron, allowing the body to pass extra iron out in the stool. Deferasirox belongs to a class of drugs known as iron-chelating agents.
Frequent blood transfusions are often needed in certain types of blood diseases (such as sickle cell disease, anemia). Blood transfusions have very helpful benefits, but they can cause the body to hold on to too much iron. The extra iron can build up in the body and cause problems such as heart failure, liver disease, and diabetes. Getting rid of extra iron can decrease the risk of these diseases.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking deferasirox and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach or with a light meal (such as a whole-wheat english muffin with jelly and nonfat milk) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Avoid taking this medication with a meal high in calories (greater than 250 calories) and fat since it may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Take the tablets with water or other beverages. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, you may crush the tablets and mix it with soft foods (such as applesauce, yogurt). Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away. Do not prepare a supply in advance.
If you are using the sprinkle granules, sprinkle the dose on soft food (such as applesauce, yogurt) and take all of it right away.
Antacids that contain aluminum can bind with deferasirox which may affect how deferasirox works. Avoid taking this medication with antacids that contain aluminum.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, lab tests, and response to treatment. Your dosage may need to be lowered or your treatment may need to be stopped if you get certain side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Information about Deferasirox - Oral
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- hearing loss
- vision changes (such as blurred vision)
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can worsen anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following unlikely symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills)
- easy bruising/bleeding
This drug may rarely cause serious stomach/intestinal problems (such as stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers). If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop taking deferasirox and consult your doctor or pharmacist right away:
- stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Deferasirox may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing of eyes/skin
- dark urine
Deferasirox has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of kidney problems, such as:
- change in the amount of urine
- frothy urine
Deferasirox can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- low platelet counts
- advanced cancer
- certain bone marrow disorders involving damaged blood-forming cells (high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes)
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell the doctor right away if you develop any illness that may cause dehydration (including fever, diarrhea, or vomiting) or if you are unable to drink fluids. The doctor may need to stop or adjust deferasirox treatment, especially in children.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney problems and hearing loss.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially liver problems, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and ulcers.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using deferasirox. Deferasirox may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- fezolinetant
- other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin)
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use reliable backup birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as serum ferritin, blood counts, urine tests, liver/kidney function, vision/hearing tests, liver iron concentration) must be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
