home > drugs a-z list > exjade (deferasirox) drug center > exjade (deferasirox) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Exjade

Generic Name: deferasirox (Pronunciation: de FER a sir ox)

• 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 is deferasirox (Exjade)?

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 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of deferasirox (Exjade)?

Stop using deferasirox and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weakness or fainting, bloody or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• severe stomach pain that may spread to your back;
• increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, weakness, constipation;
• problems with vision or hearing;
• severe skin rash;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• swelling or numbness in your hands or feet; or
• nausea, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting;
• fever;
• dizziness, anxiety, tired feeling;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• mild skin rash, discolored skin; or
• headache, cough, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about deferasirox (Exjade)?

Before taking deferasirox, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or problems with your hearing or vision.

Take deferasirox on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat.

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.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have a severe skin rash, weakness or fainting, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, severe stomach pain spreading to your back, vision or hearing loss, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, flu symptoms, urinating less than usual or not at all, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

While you are taking deferasirox, do not take antacids that contain aluminum, such as Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mi-Acid, Mylanta, Rulox, and others.

There are many other medicines that can interact with deferasirox. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.