DEFERASIROX

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Jadenu
GENERIC NAME(S): DEFERASIROX

Description: Deferasirox is a chelator selective for iron (as Fe3+ ion). It is used in the management of chronic iron overload.

Uses

Deferasirox is an iron-chelating agent used to treat ongoing high levels of iron in the body caused by multiple blood transfusions; treat high levels of iron in people with a certain blood disorder who do not require blood transfusions (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). It binds to iron, allowing the body to pass extra iron out in the stool.

How to use deferasirox
Take by mouth on an empty stomach or with a light meal or as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Take the tablets with water or other beverages. Avoid taking this medication with a meal high in calories and fat since it may increase your risk of side effects. Avoid taking it with antacids that contain aluminum as it can affect how deferasirox works.

Take only the dosage prescribed.

Side Effects

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications. Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur, hearing loss, vision changes (such as blurred vision), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), stomach/intestinal problems (such as stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers) , black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, frothy urine.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and medical history before taking this drug, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, low platelet counts, advanced cancer, certain bone marrow disorders involving damaged blood-forming cells (high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes).

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because thid drug can make you dizzy.

Avoid this drug if you are pregnant.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin).

Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking your maintenance drug such as Aspirin when using this medication alongside it.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose
Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember. Do not increase the dose to catch up. If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Open only one bottle at a time, and once the bottle is opened, the medication must be thrown away after 4 months. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands
Available Brands
Exjade [ Novartis Healthcare ]