Deferasirox (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Deferasirox is used to remove excess iron that is in the body because of blood transfusions. Deferasirox is in a class of medications called iron chelators. It works by attaching to iron molecules in the body so they can be excreted (removed from the body) in feces.
How this medication should be used
Deferasirox comes as a tablet for suspension (a tablet to dissolve in liquid) to take by mouth. It should be taken on an empty stomach once a day, at least 30 minutes before food. Take deferasirox at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take deferasirox exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not chew or swallow the tablets whole.
To take the tablets for suspension, follow these steps:
- Place the number of tablets your doctor has told you to take in a cup.
- If you are taking less than 1000 mg of deferasirox, fill the cup halfway (about 3.5 oz) with water, apple juice, or orange juice. If you are taking more than 1000 mg of deferasirox, fill the cup (about 7 oz) with water, apple juice, or orange juice. If you are not sure how much deferasirox you are to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Stir the liquid until the tablet(s) is/are totally dissolved.
- Drink the liquid immediately.
- Add a small amount of liquid to the empty cup and stir.
- Drink the rest of the liquid.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions
Before taking deferasirox:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to deferasirox or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- if you are taking aluminum-containing antacids such as Amphogel, Alternagel, Gaviscon, Maalox, or Mylanta, take them 2 hours before or after deferasirox.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had trouble hearing, ear problems, vision problems, or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking deferasirox, call your doctor.
- you should know that deferasirox may make you dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose later in the day, at least 2 hours after your last meal and 30 minutes before food. However, if it is almost time for the next dose or if you will not be able to take deferasirox on an empty stomach, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Minor side effects
Deferasirox may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- joint pain
- tiredness
Severe side effects
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- hearing loss
- vision problems
- decrease in urination
- fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
Deferasirox may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to deferasirox. Your doctor may adjust your dose of deferasirox every 3 to 6 months.You will need to have hearing and eye exams before starting deferasirox and once a year while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Exjade®