1. Take the Blood Disorders Quiz

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease;
• advanced cancer;
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low levels of platelets in your blood; or
• if you are also using theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl).

To make sure you can safely use deferasirox, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• cancer (especially blood cell cancer such as leukemia);
• 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.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether deferasirox will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether deferasirox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking deferasirox.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults taking deferasirox.

How should I take deferasirox (Exjade)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take deferasirox on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating. 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 apple juice, orange juice, or water 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.

If you take less than 1000 milligrams (1 gram) daily, dissolve the deferasirox tablets in about one-half cup of apple juice, orange juice, or water. If you take more than 1000 milligrams daily, dissolve the tablets in about 1 cup of apple juice, orange juice, or water.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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