Deferasirox

What is this medication for?

This medication is used for the treatment of long term iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions or other similar procedures. It does so by binding to iron in the body and increasing its removal primarily through the stools.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Take this medication on an empty stomach or with a light meal.
• Your medication dosage may be adjusted, depending on your iron levels monitored by your doctor.
• If you have difficulties swallowing, you may crush and sprinkle the tablet onto soft food (eg. yogurt or apple sauce). Consume the food immediately.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.
• You have kidney-related and/or liver-related medical conditions.
• You are taking the following groups of medications: NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, etoricoxib), corticosteroids, oral bisphosphonates, anticoagulants, antacids containing aluminium.

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Headache
• Diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain
• Skin rash and/or itch
• Changes in liver and kidney function - these side effects will be monitored by the doctor with routine blood tests

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some other side effects include:

• Severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Fever, chills, sore throat and/or mouth ulcers that do not go away
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Decreased hearing or vision
• Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
• Fatigue, yellowing of skin or eyes and dark urine
• Significant decrease in urine volume

If you experience any of the above, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

The medication may increase or decrease the effects of certain medications.  Other medications may decrease the effects of this medication. You should therefore avoid taking these medications together. Examples of interacting medications are antacids and selected painkillers e.g. NSAIDs. You should therefore consult your healthcare professionals before using other medications together with deferasirox.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.