Deferasirox (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to deferasirox.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Tablet:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water or other liquid.
- Take the tablet at the same time each day on an empty stomach or with a light meal.
- If you have trouble swallowing the whole tablet, it may be crushed and mixed with soft foods (such as apple sauce or yogurt) immediately before taking it orally.
Tablet for suspension:
- Dissolve the tablet in water, orange juice, or apple juice. Mix well and drink the mixture right away. To make sure you get all of the medicine, add more liquid to the glass, and then drink all of this liquid too. Do not chew or swallow the tablet.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems (such as myelodysplastic syndrome, low platelet counts), cancer, eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), hearing problems, or stomach or bowel problems (such as ulcers or bleeding).
This medicine can cause the following problems:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Liver problems
- Stomach or bowel bleeding (may be life-threatening)
- Anemia or other problems with blood cell counts
- Serious skin reactions
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Last Updated: 1/27/2017