Details

Deferasirox binds to iron and removes it from the blood stream. Deferasirox is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in adults and children at least 2 years old. Deferasirox is also used to treat chronic iron overload syndrome caused by a genetic blood disorder in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. To make sure deferasirox is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease liver disease anaemia (low red blood cells) cancer (especially blood cell cancer such as leukaemia) a stomach ulcer a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding vision or hearing problems or a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by receiving steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Typical Uses

Deferasirox is used to treat ongoing high levels of iron in the body caused by multiple blood transfusions. It is also used to treat high levels of iron in people with a certain blood disorder who do not require blood transfusions (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). It works by binding to iron, allowing the body to pass extra iron out in the stool. Deferasirox belongs to a class of drugs known as iron-chelating agents.

Side Effects

Stop using deferasirox and inform your doctor immediately if you have problems with vision or hearing kidney problems-urinating more or less than usual painful or difficult urination swelling in your feet or ankles weakness, bone pain feeling tired or short of breath liver problems-nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) signs of stomach bleeding-bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds low blood cell counts fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed or severe skin reaction-fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Drug Interactions

• Deferasirox+abciximab- Using deferasirox together with abciximab may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Deferasirox+argatroban- Using deferasirox together with argatroban may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Deferasirox+bacitracin- Talk to your doctor before using deferasirox together with bacitracin. Deferasirox may cause kidney problems and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as bacitracin may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

• Deferasirox+cabozantinib- Using deferasirox together with cabozantinib may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Deferasirox+dasatinib- Using deferasirox together with dasatinib may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Mechanism of action

Deferasirox belongs to a class of drugs called iron chelators. Deferasirox works by binding to excess iron in the blood and removing it from the body through stool.

Pregnancy Category : C