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Overview: Deferasirox is used in certain people to treat high iron blood levels. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, and stomach pain. Serious side effects are less common, but may include kidney or liver problems, infections, bleeding, severe skin reactions, hearing loss, or eye problems. Notify your health care provider right away if you have a severe rash, flu-like symptoms, unusual weakness or tiredness, stomach pain that will not go away, ringing in your ears, or vision changes. Your dose of deferasirox may need to be changed if your weight changes. Tell your health care provider if you or your child gain or lose weight while you are taking it.

Uses

What is deferasirox used for?

Deferasirox is commonly used to treat certain people who have too much iron in their blood (hemochromatosis) because of the following.

Deferasirox may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does deferasirox work (mechanism of action)?

Deferasirox works by binding to iron in your body, forming compounds called chelates. Your body gets rid of the chelates when you poop. This helps to lower your iron levels.

How is deferasirox supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Exjade
  • Jadenu
  • Jadenu Sprinkle

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 90 mg, 180 mg, 360 mg oral granules
  • 90 mg, 180 mg, 360 mg oral tablets
  • 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg tablets for oral suspension (dissolving tablets)

How should I store deferasirox?

Deferasirox should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of deferasirox?

The most common side effects of deferasirox are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
  • Rash (see below)
  • Stomach pain
  • Changes in kidney function

There may be other side effects of deferasirox that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of deferasirox?

While less common, the most serious side effects of deferasirox are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Deferasirox may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions are more likely to happen within the first month of taking deferasirox. Stop taking deferasirox and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction that are severe.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking deferasirox. You should drink plenty of water or fluids while taking deferasirox (especially children). Keep all appointments, including those for lab tests, while you are taking deferasirox. Your risk of kidney damage may be higher if you already have kidney problems or if you are taking certain medicines. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Trouble catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • SeizuresLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking deferasirox. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Stomach Bleeding. Deferasirox can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher in older adults with blood cancer or low amount of platelets and in people who take certain other medicines. Contact your health care provider if you have problems with heartburn symptoms while taking deferasirox. Stop taking deferasirox and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Bone Marrow Suppression. Deferasirox may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Severe Rash. Rashes are common when you take deferasirox. These rashes can sometimes be severe. If you have a severe skin rash, stop taking deferasirox and contact your health care provider. If you are not sure if your rash is severe, check with your health care provider.

Severe Skin Reactions. Deferasirox can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Hearing Loss. Deferasirox may be linked with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. Tell your health care provider right away if you have hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.

Eye Problems. Deferasirox may be linked with eye problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following eye symptoms.

  • Changes in vision, including double vision and trouble seeing in the dark
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use deferasirox?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take deferasirox.

  • Deferasirox
  • Exjade
  • Jadenu
  • Jadenu Sprinkle
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific deferasirox products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Deferasirox should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Fragile Health. Deferasirox should not be taken if you are too weak or unwell to safely take this medicine. Tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions and how well you can take care of your normal daily activities. This will help them to know if deferasirox is safe for you to take.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Deferasirox should not be taken if you have certain high-risk cases of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These are types of cancer that keep your bone marrow from making healthy blood cells.

Advanced Cancer. Deferasirox should not be taken if you have advanced cancer.

Low Platelet Levels. Deferasirox should not be used if you have low platelet levels. Your health care provider may do tests to see if deferasirox is safe for you to take.

What should I know about deferasirox before using it?

Do not take deferasirox unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it around the same time each day, as prescribed by your health care provider.

Do not share deferasirox with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep deferasirox out of the reach of children.

If you are prescribed deferasirox dissolving tablets, do not chew the tablet or swallow it whole. Put the prescribed number of tablets in a cup of water, orange juice, or apple juice. Do not use carbonated drinks or milk. Stir the liquid until the tablets dissolve completely. If your dosage is less than 1 gram, use 3.5 ounces of liquid. If your dosage is 1 gram or more, use 7 ounces of liquid. Drink the mixture right away. Add a small amount of water, orange juice, or apple juice to the cup and drink it again to make sure no medicine is left in the cup. If you have questions about how to take deferasirox dissolving tablets, ask your pharmacist.

If you are prescribed deferasirox oral tablets, you should swallow them whole. If you cannot swallow them whole, you may crush the tablets and mix them with soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce. You should swallow the mixture right away. Do not use store-bought pill crushers with serrated surfaces to break deferasirox 90 mg tablets.

If you are prescribed deferasirox granules, sprinkle the prescribed dose of granules onto soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce. You should swallow the mixture right away..

Deferasirox can cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how deferasirox affects you.

Your dose of deferasirox may need to be changed if your weight changes. Tell your health care provider if you or your child gain or lose weight while you are taking it.

While you are taking deferasirox, your health care provider will likely use certain tests to make sure that deferasirox is working and safe for you to take. Keep all appointments, including those for tests, while you are taking deferasirox.

Children and people who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects of deferasirox. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups.

Interactions

Does deferasirox interact with foods or drinks?

Dissolving Tablets. Deferasirox dissolving tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. 

Oral Tablets and Granules. Deferasirox tablets may either be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal that is low in fat. Deferasirox granules and crushed tablets should be taken with soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect deferasirox. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking deferasirox.

Does deferasirox interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before takingdeferasirox.

  • Busulfan, which is a chemotherapy used to treat certain cancers
  • Repaglinide, which is a medicine for type 2 diabetes
  • Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fevera), or ibandronate, which is a medicine commonly used for osteoporosis
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antacid containing aluminum
  • A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD) that contains hormones
  • A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine (Prevalite), or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of deferasirox, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with deferasirox. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much deferasirox?

If you or someone else has used too much deferasirox, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of deferasirox?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.