Deferasirox

(de FER a sir ox)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause very bad kidney and/or liver problems.
• This drug may raise the chance of bleeding from the stomach or bowel.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to deferasirox or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Very bad kidney disease, liver disease, or low platelets.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to get rid of iron when too much is in the body.

How does this drug work?

• Deferasirox binds to iron and gets rid of it from the body.

How is this drug given?

• Give this drug at the same time of day.
• Give on an empty stomach. Give 30 minutes before a meal.
• Mix the tablet with fruit juice or water and have your child drink. Do not let your child chew or swallow it whole.
• Rinse glass with more fruit juice or water and have your child drink.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has had an ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Have your child get an eye exam before starting care and then one every year.
• Have your child's eye pressure checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Have your child's hearing tested before starting this drug and then every year.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Do not give antacids with this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Sore throat.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Kidney function that gets worse may rarely happen.
• Harm to the liver may rarely happen.
• Very bad bleeding may rarely happen.
• Change in hearing may rarely happen.
• Eye problems may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If your child has a sudden hearing loss.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child is not able to eat.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.