Arefed

by Genome

Active ingredient: Deferasirox

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About Deferasirox

Antidote

Uses

Treatment of chronic Fe overload due to blood transfusions (transfusional haemosiderosis).

How to take it

Adults and Children: Recommended starting daily dose: Initially 20 mg/kg once daily. Patients receiving >14 mL/ kg/mth of packed RBC (<4 u/mth), & for reduction of Fe overload 30 mg/kg. Patients receiving <7 mL/kg/mth of packed RBC (<2 u/mth), & for maintenance of Fe level 10 mg/kg. For patients well managed on treatment with deferoxamine. See literature.

Side effects

Most common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, non-progressive increase in serum creatinine, increased transaminases, abdominal distension, constipation, dyspepsia, proteinuria, headache. Uncommon (potentially serious): Severe skin rash, maculopathy, hepatitis; high frequency hearing loss, early cataracts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Precautions: Monitor serum creatinine. Dose reduction may be noted in some cases of non-progressive increase in serum creatinine. Monitor serum transaminase monthly: Renal & hepatic impairment. Interrupt therapy if severe rash develops. Perform ophthalmological, audiological testing annually. Pregnancy & lactation. Not to be combined with other Fe chelator therapy. Not recommended in rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Full information on Deferasirox →

Interactions with Deferasirox

Aluminium containing antacids.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.