deferasirox Health Article

Generic name(s):

deferasirox

Brand name(s):

Exjade

What is the most important information I should know about deferasirox?

Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or problems with your hearing or vision.

Take deferasirox on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat.

Do not chew, crush, or swallow the deferasirox tablet whole. Place it into a glass of water, orange juice, or apple juice and allow the tablet to disperse in the liquid. The tablet will not dissolve completely. Drink this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Use 3.5 ounces (just under 1/2 cup) of liquid if your deferasirox dose is less than 1000 milligrams (1 gram). Use 7 ounces (just under 1 cup) of liquid if your deferasirox dose is more than 1000 milligrams.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have a severe skin rash.

While you are taking deferasirox, do not take antacids that contain aluminum, such as Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mi-Acid, Mylanta, Rulox, and others.

What is deferasirox?

Deferasirox binds to iron and removes it from the blood stream.

Deferasirox is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Deferasirox may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using deferasirox?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to deferasirox.

Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney or liver disease;

• vision or hearing problems; or

• a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by receiving steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use deferasirox or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether deferasirox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take deferasirox?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take deferasirox on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food.

Take the medication at the same time every day.

Do not chew, crush, or swallow the deferasirox tablet whole. Place it into a glass of water, orange juice, or apple juice and allow the tablet to disperse in the liquid. The tablet will not dissolve completely. Drink this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Use 3.5 ounces, or just under 1/2 cup of liquid if your deferasirox dose is less than 1000 milligrams (1 gram). Use 7 ounces, or just under 1 cup of liquid if your deferasirox dose is more than 1000 milligrams.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store deferasirox tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.