Deferasirox is used to remove excess iron in your body. Iron may build up in your body after repeated blood transfusions.
Take Deferasirox exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Deferasirox is available as a tablet or as a tablet for oral suspension.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you have been given the tablet for oral suspension, disperse the tablet in a glass of water, orange or apple juice. Stir it well until a fine suspension is obtained. Drink the entire contents immediately. Do not chew or swallow the tablet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- result of kidney function test and platelet count that are not within the normal limit
- at high risk of tumour
- inability to perform basic activities such as getting dressed, eating, and bathing
as Deferasirox may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- blood disorder
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Deferasirox.
- Tests for your kidney and liver function may be performed.
- An eye examination and a test for your sense of hearing may also be done.
Deferasirox may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, rashes, cough and sore throat.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- decreased red blood cell, white blood cell or platelet count
- bleeding or irritation of the stomach or intestine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased urine output
- decreased hearing
- increased pressure in the eye
- clouding of the lens of the eyes
- swollen eyes
- breathlessness
- rashes with skin peeling or blister
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for neutralising stomach acid e.g. antacids containing aluminium
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, simvastatin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. midazolam
- medicines for asthma e.g. theophylline
- medicines for diabetes e.g. repaglidine
- medicines for tuberculosis (TB) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Deferasirox.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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