The amount of iron in your body can sometimes be more than the required amount. We call this iron overload. When this happens, various health problems can occur. So, one of the important medicines prescribed by doctors in such cases is `Deferasirox`. Today, we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, side effects, and things to be careful about.
What is this medicine called Deferasirox?
Simply put, Deferasirox is a medicine that helps to remove excess iron from your blood. Think of it like a magnet, but it only attracts iron. The most common brand name for this medicine is Exjade. You may also find it under other brand names.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Before you start taking Deferasirox, you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have cancer.
- If you have eye diseases or vision problems.
- If you have any hearing problems.
- If you have had a history of blood diseases in the past.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If tests have found that you have low white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in your blood (low blood counts).
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine called `Deferasirox`, to any other medicine, to food, to dyes, or to preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, it's ``pregnant'', if you are expecting a baby, it's ``trying to get pregnant''.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
When you tell your doctor these things, he or she can determine exactly whether this medication is right for you or not, and what precautions you need to take.
How do you use this medicine?
It is very important to use this medicine correctly.
- This is a pill that you take by mouth. Take it exactly as directed on the prescription label your doctor gave you, in the amount that is prescribed.
- The most important thing is to take this medicine on an empty stomach. That means at least 30 minutes before a meal, or two hours after a meal. Never take this medicine with food.
- Try to take the medicine at about the same time every day. That way, you can maintain the same effectiveness of the medicine.
- Do not drink more or less than the amount your doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, even if you feel better, until your doctor tells you to stop.
Should this medicine be given to small children?
This medicine can be given to children as young as two years old for some selected conditions. However, it should be discussed with a pediatrician and followed strictly. There are some special considerations when giving it to children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, call the nearest hospital emergency room or poison control center immediately. Or go to a hospital immediately.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes you may miss a dose of medication. If so:
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Do not take two doses of medication at once for any reason. Doing so may cause side effects.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Deferasirox can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Do not use Deferasirox with these medications:
- `dasabuvir; ombitasvir, paritaprevir; ritonavir` (these are combinations of drugs commonly given for liver diseases such as Hepatitis C)
- Iron supplements (think: Deferasirox removes excess iron from the body. So if you take iron pills again, it won't work, right?)
- `ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir` (this is also the same as above)
Deferasirox may also interact with the following medications:
If you are using any of the medications listed below, tell your doctor about them as well :
- Antacids for stomach inflammation and gastritis
- Birth control pills
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., `cholestyramine`, `colesevelam`, `colestipol`, `simvastatin`)
- Some medications for osteoporosis (e.g. alendronate, risedronate)
- Some medications used to treat seizures /fits (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin)
- Medicines that control blood clotting (e.g. `warfarin`)
- `conivaptan`
- `cyclosporine` (cyclosporine)
- NSAIDs are a group of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Paclitaxel (a drug used to treat cancer)
- `repaglinide` (a medicine for diabetes)
- `rifampin` (a medicine given for infections such as tuberculosis)
- `ritonavir` (ritonavir - a drug used to treat HIV infection)
- Steroid-containing medications (e.g. prednisone, cortisone)
- `theophylline` (a medicine used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma)
Tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, vitamins, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements you are taking, even if they are not listed here. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. These can interact with Deferasirox.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
You should be especially careful about the following while taking this medicine:
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Serious skin reactions: This medicine can cause serious skin reactions in some people. These can occur weeks or months after starting the medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, a rash (especially red or purple) that later turns into blisters and peels off, or a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits .
- Tests: Your doctor will regularly check your vision, hearing, and blood iron levels, as well as other blood tests, before and during the course of taking this medicine.
- Signs of internal bleeding: If you have black, tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, it could be a bleeding ulcer in your stomach or intestines. If this happens, tell your doctor right away.
- Dizziness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, you should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up from a sitting or standing position suddenly, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness.
- Dehydration in children: If your child is taking this medicine and has persistent diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor. This is because it can be dangerous to take this medicine when too much water and salts are lost from the body (dehydration).
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, Deferasirox can cause some side effects.
Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing.
- Changes in vision (e.g. blurred vision).
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
- Fever, chills, and sore throat.
- Skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Redness of the skin, blistering, and peeling of the skin (can even occur inside the mouth).
- Signs of bleeding: Black or bloody stools; vomiting a brown substance that looks like coffee grounds.
- Signs and symptoms of liver injury: Dark yellow or brown urine; general malaise or fever; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right part of the abdomen; unusual weakness or tiredness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Symptoms that usually do not require medical advice (but tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not mentioned on this list, ask your doctor about them as well.
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine in a high place out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius; between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not expose to excessive heat or moisture.
- Do not use medicines that have passed the expiration date stated on the medicine package. Dispose of them properly.
Finally, take-home message
So, `Deferasirox` is a very important medicine that helps control the excess iron in your body.
But be sure to remember these things:
* It is essential to take the medicine exactly as the doctor says, in the right amount, at the right time.
* Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
* Always be aware of side effects. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor immediately.
* This article may give you some idea about this medicine, but it is not a complete description. If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
Wishing you good health!
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