Exjade (Deferasirox)

Do’s

• Stir Exjade tablet(s) into water, orange juice, or apple juice until it is completely broken apart and is well mixed into the liquid.
• If your dose is less than 1 gram, stir the tablets into about 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/100 milliliters) of liquid. If your dose is more than 1 gram, use about 1 cup (7 ounces/200 milliliters) of liquid.
• Drink all of the mixture right away, then add more liquid to the empty container and stir to get any drug that may remain. Drink all of this rinsing liquid right away.
• Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• Always mix this medication into liquid as directed.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
• The dosage of Exjade is based on your medical condition, weight, lab tests, and response to treatment. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or your treatment may need to be stopped if you experience certain side effects. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.

Don’ts

• Do not chew the tablets or swallow them whole.
• Avoid taking this medication with antacids that contain aluminum, as they can bind with deferasirox and affect its effectiveness.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, as it will not improve your condition any faster and may increase your risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Flu-like symptoms
• Decreased urination
• Swelling of legs or ankles
• Dizziness
• Severe diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating 

Serious Side Effects:

• Acute renal failure and death
• Ulcer of the stomach or intestine, or severe bleeding
• Heartburn 

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Exjade, report them to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Exjade should not be used if you have severe kidney or liver disease, advanced cancer, a blood cell or bone marrow disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood.

Exjade can potentially harm the liver or kidneys. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, pain in the upper stomach, loss of appetite, little or no urination, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Exjade can cause gastrointestinal hemorrhages, which may be fatal, especially in elderly patients with advanced hematologic malignancies and/or low platelet counts. Monitor for symptoms and discontinue Exjade for suspected gastrointestinal ulceration or hemorrhage.

Avoid the use of Exjade in patients with severe hepatic impairment and reduce the dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

Interrupt Exjade for pediatric patients who have acute illnesses that can cause volume depletion, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or prolonged decreased oral intake, and monitor more frequently. Resume therapy as appropriate based on assessments of renal function when oral intake and volume status are normal.

Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Exjade, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.