Deferasirox (By mouth)

Introduction

Deferasirox (de-FER-a-sir-ox)

Treats iron toxicity (too much iron in the blood). This medicine is an iron chelator (binder).

Brand Name(s)

Exjade

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to deferasirox.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet for Suspension

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine at the same time each day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat.
• Dissolve the tablet for suspension in water, orange juice, or apple juice, mix well, then drink the mixture right away. To make sure you get all of the medicine, add some more liquid to the drinking glass, then drink all of this liquid too. Do not swallow or chew the tablet, and do not use it without mixing it in liquid first.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not take this medicine at the same time as antacids that contain aluminum, such as Maalox® or Mylanta®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other iron binding medicine such as deferoxamine (Desferal®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Very rarely, this medicine might cause problems with your vision or hearing. You doctor might want to exam your eyes and ears before you begin using this medicine, and once a year after that. Tell your doctor right away if you start having trouble seeing or hearing while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Severe rash.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough.
• Headache.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Mild rash.