Deferasirox - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Deferasirox is a drug to treat the buildup of iron in the blood. Othis bat usually given to people undergoing repeated blood transfusions. In addition, this drug is also used in conditions non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

Deferasirox is an iron chelating agent that works by binding to iron, so it can be excreted in the feces. Deferasirox is taken to prevent the buildup of iron that can damage the heart, liver, or pancreas.

deferasirox trademark: Deferasirox, Dextron, Exjade, Kalsirox

What is Deferasirox

group	Iron chelating agent
Category	Prescription drugs
Benefit	Treating iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions or thalassemia disease that does not require blood transfusions (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia)
Consumed by	Adults and children
Deferasirox for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Deferasirox can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form	Dispersible tablets and film-coated tablets

Warning Before Taking Deferasirox

Deferasirox should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Below are some things to consider before taking deferasirox:

Do not take deferasirox if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, dehydration, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, myelodysplastic syndrome, or thrombocytopenia.
Tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or therapy with corticosteroid drugs.
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking deferasirox, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with deferasirox, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking deferasirox.

Dosage and Instructions for Use Deferasirox

The following are deferasirox dosages based on the condition, form of drug, and patient age:

Condition: The accumulation of iron due to repeated and continuous blood transfusions

Drug form: Dispersible tablets

Mature: The initial dose is 20 mg/kg, once a day. The dose can be increased or decreased by 5–10 mg/kg, every 3–6 months. The maximum dose is 40 mg/kg body weight per day. Stop treatment if iron levels in the body (serum ferritin concentration) fall to <500 mcg/L.
Children aged >5–17 years: Dosage is the same as for adults.
Children aged 2–5 years: 20 mg/kg body weight, once a day. The dose can be changed according to the patient's body response.

Condition: Thalassemia type non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT)

Mature: The initial dose is 10 mg/kg, once a day. The dose may be increased to 20 mg/kg per day, after 4 weeks of treatment, if the serum ferritin concentration is >15 mg Fe/g. The dose can be increased or decreased again by 5–10 mg/kg, every 3–6 months.
Children: 10 mg/kg body weight per day.

How to Take Deferasirox Correctly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the drug packaging before taking deferasirox. Do not increase or decrease the dose without the doctor's permission.

Deferasirox dispersible tablets need to be taken on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before meals. Dissolve the dispersible tablet in water, orange juice, or apple juice. Wait until the drug dissolves, stir, then drink.

If you forget to take deferasirox, take this medicine immediately if the interval between the next use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the next dose.

While deferasirox is being used, your doctor may ask you to undergo blood and urine tests to monitor iron levels in your blood or to make sure there are no side effects from taking the drug.

Store deferasirox in its package in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and keep the medicine out of reach of children.

Deferasirox Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interactions that can occur when deferasirox is used together with other drugs are:

Decreased effectiveness of deferasirox when taken with antacids
Decreased levels of deferasirox when taken with cholestyramine, carbamazepine, rifampicin, or phenytoin
Increased blood levels of duloxetine, theophylline, repaglinide, or paclitaxel
Decreased effectiveness of ciclosporin, simvastatin, or birth control pills
Increased risk of bleeding when used with aspirin