Deferasirox
About Deferasirox
Deferasirox is an oral prescription medicine used to treat chronic iron overload in the body. This condition often happens when you receive frequent blood transfusions or have certain blood disorders. By removing excess iron, this medicine helps prevent damage to your vital organs over time.
To get the best results, you must take Deferasirox once daily at the same time every day, on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Staying consistent with this daily routine is key to keeping your iron levels in a safe range.
While taking this medicine, you might experience mild side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, or skin rashes. However, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin, or a sudden decrease in urination.
Do not take this if you have severe kidney disease, advanced liver disease, or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Before starting Deferasirox, tell your doctor if you have a history of ulcers, bleeding in your stomach, or blood disorders.
This medicine can interact with certain pain relievers, blood thinners, and antacids, which can increase your risk of stomach bleeding or lower the medicine's effectiveness. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this treatment.
Uses of Deferasirox
Medicinal Benefits
Deferasirox helps protect your vital organs, such as your liver, heart, and pancreas, from the toxic effects of iron buildup.
Benefits may include:
- By removing excess iron from your body, Deferasirox helps protect important organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas from iron-related damage, supporting long-term health.
- Regular treatment helps keep iron levels under control, reducing the risk of complications associated with chronic iron overload.
- Unlike older iron-removal therapies that required lengthy daily infusions under the skin, Deferasirox is available as an oral tablet, making treatment more convenient and easier to fit into your daily routine.
- Its easy-to-take oral formulation allows you to manage your condition at home with minimal disruption to your everyday activities.
Directions for Use
- Deferasirox should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication. However, it is suggested to take Deferasirox at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in your body.
- Swallow the whole Deferasirox with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew, or crush it.
Storage
Side Effects of Deferasirox
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Mild stomach pain or upset stomach
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Slight increase in kidney laboratory values
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools (signs of stomach bleeding)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue (signs of liver damage)
- A sudden decrease in how much you urinate, or swelling in your legs and feet (signs of kidney problems)
- Severe skin reactions, such as blistering, peeling, or a widespread rash with a fever
- Changes in your vision or hearing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Get regular blood tests: You will need frequent blood and urine tests to monitor your kidney and liver function, as well as your iron levels. Do not skip these appointments.
- Schedule eye and ear exams: This medicine can occasionally affect your vision and hearing. Your doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor for any changes.
- Do not take with aluminium-containing antacids: These products can bind to the medicine in your stomach and stop it from working correctly.
- Watch for skin changes: If you develop any skin rash that spreads, blisters, or peels, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
- Report unusual bruising or bleeding: If you notice unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in your urine, notify your healthcare provider right away.
Drug Interactions
- Aluminium-containing antacids: May bind to Deferasirox in your digestive tract, reducing its absorption and making it less effective.
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Taking these medicines with Deferasirox can increase your risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
- NSAID pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen): May increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers, and internal bleeding.
- Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., cholestyramine): May lower the levels of Deferasirox in your body, reducing its effectiveness.
- Antihyperglycemic agents (e.g., repaglinide): Deferasirox can increase the levels of repaglinide in your body, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Deferasirox is not advisable, as it may cause unpleasant side effects, or you also may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorDeferasirox is not usually recommended if you are pregnant. However, your doctor may prescribe it if they think the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks. Please consult the doctor.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorDeferasirox is not usually recommended if you are a lactating woman. However, your doctor may prescribe it if they think the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Deferasirox alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionShould exercise caution, and it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionShould exercise caution, and it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionDeferasirox should be used under the supervision of healthcare provider
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid vitamin C supplements: High doses of vitamin C can increase how much iron your body absorbs and may interact with how this medicine works. Only take vitamin C if specifically directed by your doctor.
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps your kidneys flush out waste and reduces the strain on your kidneys while taking this medicine.
- Avoid iron-fortified foods: Limit your intake of foods that are heavily fortified with iron, and avoid using cast-iron cookware, as this can add extra iron to your food.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can put extra stress on your liver. Since both iron overload and this medicine can affect your liver, it is best to limit or avoid alcohol.
Special Advise
- Monitor blood counts, liver function, and renal function monthly.
- Monitor serum ferritin monthly to assess the patient’s response to therapy and minimize the risk of over-chelation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron. It can cause severe damage to your body, including to your heart, liver and pancreas.
FAQs
Deferasirox is used to treat chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions (transfusional hemosiderosis).
Deferasirox is the active component in Deferasirox. It is a chelating agent that selectively binds to trivalent iron. It binds extra iron and excretes it in the faeces. As a result, the risk of organ damage is lowered.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician for preventing specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule if it is time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Deferasirox is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it precisely as directed, and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any of the side effects disturb you.
The extra iron due to iron overload is stored in pancreas. This damages the pancreas and it does not produce insulin properly. Insulin is required by the body to utilise sugar/glucose efficiently. As insulin is not produced properly, it affects blood sugar levels.
Yes, iron overload is the same as haemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron.
Yes, Deferasirox can be used in children above 2 years if prescribed by the doctor. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Deferasirox may cause side effects like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and increased serum creatinine. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
It depends on the specific tablet type your doctor prescribes. Some formulations of Deferasirox must be taken on an empty stomach, while others can be taken with a light meal. Check your prescription label or talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions.
Deferasirox works gradually over several weeks and months. Your doctor will monitor your blood iron levels regularly to track your progress and see how well the medicine is working. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to understand your specific treatment timeline.
Avoid taking aluminum-containing antacids, high-dose vitamin C supplements, and drinking excessive alcohol. You should also consult your doctor before taking any new over-the-counter pain relievers or herbal supplements.
Yes, Deferasirox can affect kidney function in some patients. Your doctor will perform regular blood and urine tests to monitor your kidney health while you are taking this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice a decrease in urination or swelling in your feet.
It is best to take Deferasirox at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. Choose a time that is easy for you to remember and fits your daily routine.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Deferasirox. Both alcohol and this medicine can place extra stress on your liver, increasing the risk of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
The safety of Deferasirox during pregnancy has not been fully established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not start this medication without discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor.
A mild skin rash can sometimes occur. However, because some rashes can become severe, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a rash, itching, or skin peeling. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing skin reactions.
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