What is Deferasirox?

Deferasirox is a treatment that aims directly at getting rid of excess iron in the body.

It’s really useful for people who have regular blood transfusions or certain blood conditions.

These conditions make their bodies struggle with iron, so finding the right medication is crucial.

Overview

Iron overload is treated with deferasirox.

This happens when your body builds up excessive amounts of iron. It can damage important organs over time.

Patients with thalassaemia or those who have received several blood transfusions are frequently treated with it.

Deferasirox is used to protect general health and maintain safe iron levels.

Description

Deferasirox attaches to the excess iron in your body and gets rid of it through your stools.

Adults and children as young as two years old can benefit from this therapy.

It is designed for those whose blood iron levels have increased due to a genetic disorder.

Uses / Indications

Deferasirox is used to lower high iron levels in the body.

It is beneficial for people who receive many blood transfusions or have blood disorders like thalassemia.

This medicine helps get rid of too much iron. It keeps the heart, liver, and other key organs safe.

Benefits

Too many blood transfusions can cause iron overload. Deferasirox helps relieve this problem. Some main benefits of deferasirox include:

It directly prevents organ damage by removing excess iron from the blood.

Deferasirox may reduce the need for other iron-lowering treatments.

Taking this medicine can lower the chances of damage to organs like the heart and liver.

In the long term, it provides protection to the body, making life safer and healthier for people with thalassemia.

Side Effects

Deferasirox can cause side effects in some people, including:

How Does It Work?

Deferasirox attaches to the excess iron in your body and gets rid of it through your stools.

This keeps your iron levels from getting out of control and helps protect your heart, liver, and other organs from damage.

Dosage Guidelines / How to Use

As instructed by the doctor, take Deferasirox tablets as prescribed.

If required, crush the pills and combine them with soft foods like applesauce, or swallow them whole with a glass of water.

Never share your medication with others, and always take it half an hour before eating or when your stomach is empty.

When Not to Use

It’s important to understand when to avoid taking this medication before taking it. Do not take Deferasirox tablets. if you are:

You have had an allergic reaction to this medication before.

You have severe kidney or liver problems.

Low platelet counts in the blood.

Experience bleeding or stomach ulcers.

Take aluminum-containing antacids.

Drug Interactions

Other medicines might affect how Deferasirox Tablets work or cause side effects if you take them together.

You should take deferasirox on an empty stomach since food might make it harder for your body to absorb it.

As a result, less medication enters your body, which reduces its ability to bind and remove iron.

If you must eat, go for a low-fat, low-calorie meal that has less than 250 calories.

Alcohol and deferasirox both affect the liver, so combining them can boost your risk of liver issues.

Plus, drinking can worsen the dizziness caused by deferasirox, and that can lead to more serious side effects.

Although there isn’t a proven direct interaction, taking them together could cause stress to the body and compromise the safety of treatment.

General Instructions

Deferasirox helps remove extra iron and protects organs from harm. To use deferasirox safely and effectively, it’s important to follow the instructions.

Take deferasirox when your stomach is empty, 30 minutes before you eat, or two hours after eating.

Make sure you know how deferasirox affects you before driving or using machines.

If you notice a rash, stomach pain, dark urine, or unusual bleeding, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Safety Advice

Deferasirox Tablets can help you, but it’s important to use them safely. Follow the safety advice and be aware of side effects.

If you’ve ever had an allergic response to Deferasirox or any other drug, let your doctor know. Note allergies to foods, dyes, or animals and check labels for potential triggers.

This medicine is usually safe for children over 2 years old, provided certain conditions are met. For younger children, special care may be necessary.

Older adults often face more side effects and health issues, like heart and kidney problems, while on treatment. So, doctors adjust their doses to keep them safe.

Consult your doctor before taking Deferasirox Tablets if you breastfeed, as its safety for breastfed babies is unknown.

This medicine should not be taken by women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. They can harm your baby. If you think you are pregnant while using them, talk to your doctor immediately.

Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendations

Eat light, healthy meals and steer clear of high-fat or high-calorie foods while taking Deferasirox tablets.

Drink plenty of water daily and avoid antacids containing aluminium.

Follow your doctor’s plan for taking your medicine and attending regular check-ups.

Comparison with Other Iron Chelators

Iron chelators help remove extra iron in patients with too much iron. Deferasirox, a leading drug in this category, is compared to other medicines.

Deferasirox is taken orally, whereas deferoxamine requires injections.

Both treatments lower iron levels effectively.

However, deferasirox may have a slight advantage for heart health.

Patients often choose deferasirox because it’s easier to take each day.

However, deferasirox may lead to more liver issues than deferoxamine.

Both deferiprone and deferasirox are taken orally.

By lowering iron levels, they have similar effects on the heart. It’s crucial to remember that deferasirox may have a greater effect on the liver than deferiprone.

Deferasirox is frequently easier to take. It tastes better than some older options and has fewer dietary restrictions.

Precautions & Warnings

Deferasirox can cause serious health problems if it’s not used with caution. For your safety and health, follow these tips.

Precautions:

Before starting, inform your doctor about any kidney, liver, or blood disorders you may have.

To minimize dizziness and side effects, it is recommended that you avoid alcohol and marijuana.

Disclose all medicines and supplements you’re using to your doctor.

Warnings:

Avoid this if you suffer from severe kidney or liver disease or if your blood platelet count is low.

Deferasirox can cause serious damage to your liver or kidneys; look out for swelling or yellowish skin.

If you see blood in your stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Side effects like bleeding and hearing loss are more common in older adults and children.

Unless a doctor gives approval, pregnant or breastfeeding women must steer clear of Deferasirox tablets.

Can You Take It With Other Medications?

When taking Deferasirox Tablets, it’s essential to be aware of which other drugs are safe to use with them.

Caution With:

Aluminum Carbonate, Basic, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Oxide, Aluminum Phosphate

Amiodarone, Azathioprine, Busulfan, Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol, Daprodustat

Duloxetine, Enzalutamide, Fosphenytoin, Levoketoconazole, Methotrexate, Paclitaxel

Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin, Ritonavir, Selexipag, Theophylline, Tizanidine, Warfarin

Safe With:

Repaglinide (but your doctor may adjust the dose)

Birth control pills (may be less effective; use backup methods)

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen (use with care)

Iron supplements (should not be taken at the same time)

Aspirin (low dose usually okay if the doctor says so)

Storage

Store Deferasirox Tablets in a secure, tamper-proof container at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C.

Please protect it from heat, light, and moisture.

Freezing is not an option; please keep it warm and secure. Make sure it’s put somewhere kids and pets can’t get to it.