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In this Article

• What is deferasirox (Exjade)?
• What are the possible side effects of deferasirox (Exjade)?
• What is the most important information I should know about deferasirox (Exjade)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using deferasirox (Exjade)?
• How should I take deferasirox (Exjade)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Exjade)?
• What happens if I overdose (Exjade)?
• What should I avoid while taking deferasirox (Exjade)?
• What other drugs will affect deferasirox (Exjade)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using deferasirox (Exjade)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to deferasirox.

Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• 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.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use deferasirox or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether deferasirox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take deferasirox (Exjade)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take deferasirox on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food. Take the medication at the same time every day.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. Drink plenty of fluids while taking deferasirox to keep from getting dehydrated.

Do not chew, crush, or swallow the deferasirox tablet whole. Place it into a glass of water, orange juice, or apple juice and allow the tablet to disperse in the liquid. The tablet will not dissolve completely. Drink this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Use 3.5 ounces, or just under 1/2 cup of liquid if your deferasirox dose is less than 1000 milligrams (1 gram). Use 7 ounces, or just under 1 cup of liquid if your deferasirox dose is more than 1000 milligrams.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store deferasirox tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.