Some diseases, for example, people with diseases like Thalassemia, have to give blood to the body frequently. When we receive blood for a long time like this, the iron level in our body can increase unnecessarily. We call this iron overload. This increased iron can be deposited in important organs like our heart and liver and damage them. So, a special medicine that doctors use to remove this excess iron from the body is called Deferasirox. Let's talk about this today.
What is Deferasirox? What does it actually do?
Simply put, this medicine called Deferasirox works like a magnet. It attaches to the unwanted, excess iron particles in our blood, captures them, and helps them be removed from the body. This process is called Chelation in medical science. This prevents the damage that excess iron can cause to our vital organs. This medicine can come under brand names like Jadenu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Your doctor should be aware of your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have them:
- If you have any cancer.
- If you have poor eyesight or eye diseases.
- If you have any hearing impairment.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have a condition that causes a decrease in the number of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in the blood (low blood counts).
- 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.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Take on an empty stomach: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That is, at least 30 minutes before a meal, or 2 hours after a meal.
- Take it on time: Take the prescribed dose at the time prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed number of times per day.
- Do not stop: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
When given to small children
This medicine can be prescribed to children over the age of 2 in some selected cases. However, this decision will be made by your child's doctor. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss 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. Do not take double doses.
What if I take too much medicine?
Imagine you have taken too much medicine at the wrong time. If that happens, don't panic and immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with Deferasirox
This medicine may interact with some other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Things you should definitely not take with this medicine | |
| Iron supplements | Taking this medicine will remove excess iron from the body, so taking iron tablets externally will not help. |
| Some Hepatitis C medications | Eg: Dasabuvir, Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir |
| Other medications that may cause interactions (tell your doctor if you are taking these) | |
| Antacids | Medicines for gastritis that contain aluminum. |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | For example: Medicines like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. |
| Birth control pills | This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
| Other medications | Many other medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs (Cholestyramine, Simvastatin), seizure medications (Phenobarbital), blood thinners (Warfarin), steroids (Prednisone), Cyclosporine, Rifampin, etc. |
Take care of your body while taking medication.
It is very important to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.
Serious Skin Reactions: This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. This can happen even weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a red rash with fever, body aches, if it turns purple and blisters, if the skin peels off, or if you develop a red rash with bumps on your neck or armpits , see a doctor immediately.
- Medical tests: Your doctor will check your vision, hearing, and blood (especially kidney and liver function) before you start taking this medicine and while you are taking it. Don't skip these tests.
- Stomach bleeding: If you have black, tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, it could be a sign of bleeding from an ulcer in your stomach or intestines. If this happens, tell a doctor right away.
- Dizziness: This medicine may make some people dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down suddenly.
- Dehydration in children: If your child is given this medicine and has a severe stomachache, vomiting, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor immediately. Giving this medicine can be dangerous if the body loses too much water (dehydration).
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, Deferasirox can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, difficulty urinating. |
| Changes in vision or hearing | Blurred vision, decreased hearing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unnecessary bruising and bleeding of the skin. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep. |
Take-Home Message
- Deferasirox is a medicine that is given to remove excess iron from the body. It must be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor, on an empty stomach.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, especially painkillers and antacids, as this medicine may interact with other medications.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as a skin rash, black stools, or yellowing of the eyes, see a doctor immediately.
- While taking this medication, be sure to have blood, eye, and ear tests prescribed by your doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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