Deferasirox
Warning
Deferasirox may rarely cause serious (even fatal) kidney disease, liver disease, and stomach/intestinal bleeding (see also Side Effects section). Kidney disease may be more likely to occur in people with kidney problems and in people with serious blood diseases. Liver disease may be more likely to occur in people with liver problems (such as cirrhosis) and in older adults. Stomach/intestinal bleeding may be more likely to occur in older adults with serious blood diseases (including blood cancers). Consult your doctor for more details.
Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication. Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.
Precautions
Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, low platelet counts, advanced cancer, certain bone marrow disorders involving damaged blood-forming cells (high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes).
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell the doctor right away if you develop any illness that may cause dehydration (including fever, diarrhea, or vomiting) or if you are unable to drink fluids. The doctor may need to stop or adjust deferasirox treatment, especially in children.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney problems and hearing loss.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially liver problems, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and ulcers.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using deferasirox. Deferasirox may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing loss, vision changes (such as blurred vision).
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can worsen anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following unlikely symptoms: unusual tiredness, pale skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding.
This drug may rarely cause serious stomach/intestinal problems (such as stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers). If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop taking deferasirox and consult your doctor or pharmacist right away: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Deferasirox may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine.
Deferasirox has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of kidney problems, such as: change in the amount of urine, frothy urine.
Deferasirox can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
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