Deferasirox
- What is it for
Deferasirox is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions or non-transfusion dependent thalassemia syndromes.
Deferasirox
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Deferasirox
cause?
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, indigestion
- Headache
- Rash
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Severe rash or difficulty breathing and dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat
- Severe rash, red skin, blistering of lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, sore throat
- Marked decrease in urine output
- Drowsiness, upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes and dark urine
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Frequent abdominal pain
- Severe upper stomach pain (pancreatitis)
- Partial vision loss or decreased hearing
Before taking
Deferasirox
, what precautions must I follow?
Talk to your doctor before taking Desferasirox:
- If you have any problems with your liver or kidneys
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug and for 1 week after your last dose
- If you are taking or recently taken any other medications
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Deferasirox
?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist the medicines you are taking including antacids (medicine used to treat heartburn), certain painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines.
Deferasirox
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Deferasirox
be used?
Deferasirox should be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor. It may be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Tablets can be swallowed whole with some water.
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, it may be crushed and administered by sprinkling onto soft food (e.g. yogurt), consume immediately
Do not take together with aluminium-containing medications or supplements.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, even if it is later in the day. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Do not take two doses at once or take extra doses on the next day to make up for the forgotten tablets.
What should I do if I overdose?
If you overdose on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
Deferasirox
- Handling
How should I handle
Deferasirox
safely?
No extra handling precautions.
Deferasirox
- Storage
How should I store
Deferasirox
?
- Keep away from children
- Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
- Store at room temperature
How should I dispose of
Deferasirox
safely?
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.