What you need to know about Deferasirox, which controls iron overload in the body

Some of our children, as well as adults, have to undergo blood transfusions regularly due to diseases like Thalassemia. When we continuously give blood in this way, our body can accumulate an amount of iron that it cannot handle. We call this 'Iron Overload'. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to remove the excess iron that accumulates in this way from the body is called Deferasirox. You may know this medicine by the brand name Jadenu. So, let's talk about this medicine today.

What is Deferasirox?

Simply put, Deferasirox is an 'iron chelator' type of medication. This means that this medication works by capturing excess iron particles in your blood, binding to them, and removing them from your body in your stool. Think of it like a magnet, pulling away the unwanted iron. Removing excess iron in this way is very important. Because if too much iron accumulates in the body, it can damage important organs like the liver and heart.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because this medicine should be given to people with certain medical conditions, it is especially important to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have cancer or are undergoing treatment for cancer.
• If you have any liver or kidney disease.
• If you have poor eyesight or an eye disease (e.g. cataracts).
• If you have any hearing impairment .
• If you have a history of blood diseases . For example, a condition in which the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood is low.
• If you have an allergy to this Deferasirox medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .

Telling your doctor about these things without hiding them is very important for your safety.

How should I use the medicine?

Your doctor will clearly explain how to use this medicine. It is important to follow those instructions exactly.

• Timing: This medicine should always be taken on an empty stomach . That means at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal . Taking it with food may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. It is best to get into the habit of taking it at the same time every day.
• How to take: This is a medicine that comes in granule form. It is usually given by dissolving it in something like water, apple juice, or orange juice and drinking it. Do it as your doctor tells you.
• Stopping: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause your iron levels to rise again quickly.
• If given to children: There are cases where this medicine can be given to children over 2 years of age. But it should be done under the special supervision of a doctor. Be sure to be aware of the dosage and method of administration to the child.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will regularly check your blood tests, eyesight, and hearing. Don't skip these tests. In addition, be aware of these symptoms.

• Severe skin reactions: Some people may develop serious skin reactions several weeks after starting this medicine. If you have a fever, body aches, and red or purple spots on your skin that later blister and peel, you should tell your doctor right away. Also, if you have a red rash on your skin and swollen lymph nodes on your face, lips, or neck/armpits, that is also a serious sign.
• Stomach bleeding: If your stools are tarry black or you vomit something that looks like coffee grounds , it could be bleeding from an ulcer in your stomach or intestines. This is an emergency, so see a doctor right away.
• Dizziness: This medication may cause dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position.
• Dehydration in children: If your child is having severe diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating a lot, they may be losing a lot of water from their body. This can be dangerous while taking this medicine. So tell your doctor about it in such a case.

What are the side effects?

Like any medicine, Deferasirox can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.

Can this interact with other medications?

Yes, this is very important. Deferasirox can cause problems when taken with certain other medications. So tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or supplement you are taking.

You should be especially careful when taking Deferasirox with these medications:

• Other iron-containing pills or supplements: This medicine is taken to remove excess iron, so taking iron pills will not help.
• Antacids: Aluminum-containing antacids used for gas and heartburn can reduce the absorption of Deferasirox.
• Some cholesterol medications: Medications like Cholestyramine and Colestipol.
• Some painkillers: NSAID-type painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen).
• Birth control pills.
• Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as Warfarin .
• Steroid medications such as Prednisone .

This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take .

Deferasirox, Jadenu, Iron Overload, Thalassemia, Medication, Iron overload, Side effects