Desirox 250mg Tablet (Deferasirox 250mg)

INTRODUCTION

DESIROX 250MG contains Deferasirox which belongs to the group of medicines called iron chelator. It is used to treat chronic iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusions in patients (aged 6 years or above) with beta thalassaemia major. It is also used to treat chronic iron overload caused by infrequent blood transfusion in patients with other types of anemia, and in children aged 2-5 years. It can also correct iron overload in patients aged 10 years or older who have thalassaemia syndromes, but who are not transfusion dependent.

DESIROX 250MG traps and removes the excess iron from the body and excretes them mainly in the stools. During the course of treatment, your doctor may recommend you have regular blood and urine tests to monitor the amount of iron in your body. Regular monitoring of your kidney and liver functions is also necessary, as they may reduce the risks of unwanted side effects. The most common side effect of taking this medicine are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or signs of liver and kidney damage. Talk to your doctor if any of these symptom bothers you.

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. It can be taken once daily. However, your doctor will decide the correct dose, duration and time of consumption depending upon your age, weight and health condition. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or having advanced myelodysplastic syndrome or advanced cancer. Consult your doctor before taking. Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart disease. This medicine is not recommended for use in children aged below 2 years. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

USES OF DESIROX 250MG

Treats chronic iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions in patients (aged 6 years or above) with beta thalassaemia major
Treats chronic iron overload due to infrequent blood transfusion in patients (2 years or above) with other types of anemia
Treats iron overload in patients (aged 10 years or older) with non-transfusion dependent thalassaemia syndrome
HOW DESIROX 250MG WORKS
DESIROX 250MG is an iron chelator which traps and removes the excess iron from your body. It specifically binds to iron (ferric form) at the ratio of 2:1, forming a stable complex (iron chelate), which is excreted mainly in the stools.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take DESIROX 250MG as directed by your physician. It can be taken once daily. However, your doctor will decide the correct dose, duration and time of consumption depending upon your age, weight and health condition. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DESIROX 250MG

SERIOUS
Allergic reaction (such as severe rash, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty in breathing and dizziness)
Severe skin reactions (such as skin rash, red skin, blistering of lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, high fever, flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes)
Kidney problem (decreased urine output)
Liver problem (such as drowsiness, upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes and dark urine)
High ammonia levels in blood (such as difficulty in thinking, remembering information, or solving problems, being less alert, feeling sleepy with low energy)
Vomiting blood
Black stools
Frequent heartburn
Blurred vision
Pancreatitis (severe pain in upper stomach)
COMMON
GI disorders (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or indigestion)
Skin rash
Headache
Itching
Disturbance in kidney or liver function tests

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HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Constipation:

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Abdominal pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Dark or black stools:

This is common while taking this medicine and is nothing to worry about. Talk to a doctor if your poo is black and sticky or if you also feel unwell in any other way.

Skin rash or itching:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better, speak to a doctor.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Other iron chelator medicines (e.g. desferrioxamine)
Antacids (used to treat heartburn) containing aluminium e.g. Aluminium hydroxide
Ciclosporin (used to prevent graft rejection, rheumatoid arthritis or atopic dermatitis)
Simvastatin and cholestyramine (used to reduce high cholesterol levels in blood)
Medicines used to treat pain and inflammation (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, corticosteroids)
Medicines used to prevent or treat blood clotting (e.g. heparin, warfarin)
Medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine)
Oral bisphosphonates (used to treat osteoporosis) e.g. alendronate, etidronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid
Contraceptive agents (birth control pills)
Bepridil (used to treat heart problems)
Ergotamine (used to treat migraines)
Repaglinide (used to treat diabetes)
Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
Ritonavir (used to treat HIV infection)
Paclitaxel (used to treat cancer)
Theophylline (used to treat as asthma)
Clozapine (used to treat psychiatric disorders)
Tizanidine (used as a muscle relaxant)
Busulfan (used to treat a certain type of chronic myelogenous leukemia)