Deferasirox
Pronounced
"dee-FER-a-sir-ox"
Uses
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.
Warning
Deferasirox may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) kidney disease, liver disease, and stomach/intestinal bleeding (see also Side Effects section). Kidney disease may be more likely to occur in people with kidney problems and in people with serious blood diseases. Liver disease may be more likely to occur in people with liver problems (such as cirrhosis) and in older adults. Stomach/intestinal bleeding may be more likely to occur in older adults with serious blood diseases (including blood cancers). Consult your doctor for more details.
Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication. Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.
How to Use This Medication
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.
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