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Deferasirox Coupon - Deferasirox 360mg tablet

deferasirox

Generic Jadenu, Exjade
Used for Iron Overload
Used for Iron Overload

Deferasirox is an oral medication that gets rid of extra iron in your body from blood transfusions or certain blood conditions. It's taken daily, usually for a long time since it can take several months for iron levels to go down. Deferasirox is available in both generic and brand formulations. It comes in tablets (Jadenu), dissolvable tablets (Exjade), and granules (Jadenu Sprinkle). The most common side effects of deferasirox are belly pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 26, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Deferasirox?

What is Deferasirox used for?

Chronic iron overload (high iron levels in the blood for a long period of time) in:

How Deferasirox works

Deferasirox is a chelating agent. It attaches to iron in your blood and allows your body to get rid of the extra iron through stool.

Are you looking for information on deferoxamine (Desferal) or deferiprone (Ferriprox) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsExjade, Jadenu, Jadenu Sprinkle
Drug ClassChelating agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Deferasirox?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

These are common side effects for people who need blood transfusions. The three most common side effects for people with NTDT are nausea, rash and diarrhea.

Other Side Effects

  • Sleep problems
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Change in skin color
  • Blurry vision or other changes in vision
  • Hearing loss
  • Throat pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Sudden kidney injury: feeling sick or weak, dehydration, urinating less than usual, confusion, blood in urine, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Liver damage: feeling tired or weak, poor appetite, losing weight without trying, dark urine, eyes and skin turning more yellow, upper right stomach pain
  • Stomach bleeding: stomach pain, black and tarry stools, blood in the urine
  • Low blood cell counts: frequent fevers or infections, bruise or bleed more easily, nose bleeds that don't stop
  • Severe skin reactions: rash, skin pain or peeling, blisters, fever, sore throat, fatigue, facial swelling, swollen lips

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea

dizziness

earache or pain in the ear

nausea

stomach pain

voice changes

vomiting

Rare

Blindness

blurred vision

change in hearing

change in vision

pain or discomfort in the eye

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

dark urine

decrease in the amount of urine

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

hives, welts, skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

lower back or side pain

pale skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness, soreness, itching of the skin

sores, blisters

stomach pain, continuing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Deferasirox

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule

Granules and soluble tablets can be dissolved in water, so it's easy to take for people who have difficulty swallowing pills

Available as a generic medication so it might be less expensive

thumbs-down

Cons

Risk of serious side effects in older adults and children

Requires regular blood work and lab tests to monitor for serious side effects

Interacts with a lot of common medications, such as simvastation (Zocor), hormone contraceptives, and antacids with aluminum

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Deferasirox

pharmacist

  • Different formulations of deferasirox have different directions on how to take the medication. Check with your provider or pharmacist for instructions before taking deferasirox or giving it to your child.

    • Directions for deferasirox dissolvable tablets (Exjade): Take deferasirox dissolvable tablets on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food. Dissolve the tablets in 4 oz to 8 oz of liquids, such as water, orange juice, or apple juice, and drink the mixture immediately. Add a small amount of liquid to any leftovers, stir, and drink again.

      • Directions for deferasirox tablets (Jadenu) and granules (Jadenu Sprinkle): Take deferasirox tablets or granules on an empty stomach or with a light meal, such as a turkey sandwich or jelly. Swallow the tablets with water to better help the pills go down. If you have trouble swallowing, you can crush the tablets or take the granules. Sprinkle the crushed tablets or granules on soft food, such as applesauce or yogurt. Make sure to take the entire mixture immediately after mixing.

        • Certain medications can affect the amount of deferasirox in your body, how well the medication works, and the risk of side effects. Please let your provider and pharmacist know about all your medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, so they can make sure your medications are safe for you to take.

          • Tell your provider if you or your child gains or loses any weight before or while taking deferasirox. Your or your child's dose of deferasirox might need to be changed.

            • Make sure to get your routine blood and urine tests done on time while you’re taking deferasirox so your provider can make sure this medication is safe for you. Your dose might change depending on these test results, so always follow your provider's most updated instructions on how much deferasirox to take.

              • Don't drive a car or operate machinery until you know how deferasirox affects you, since this medication can make you dizzy.

                • Please tell your provider right away if you or your child experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially if you're not drinking fluids as often as usual. Dehydration can raise the risk of serious kidney problems. You might need to stop taking deferasirox temporarily to prevent these problems from happening.

                  • Talk to a provider if you or your child experiences hearing loss, difficulty hearing, vision changes, or seeing halos around lights while taking deferasirox. This is because the medication can cause hearing and visual problems.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Deferasirox

                    When should I take deferasirox?
                    There are three formulations of deferasirox available and each one has different directions. For example, Jadenu tablets or Jadenu Sprinkle granules should be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal (less than 7% fat and about 250 calories), such as an whole wheat English muffin or 8 ounces of skim milk. On the other hand, Exjade dissolvable tablets should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food. Make sure to take all formulations of deferasirox at the same time each day to be consistent and to make sure an effective amount of medication is in your body at all times. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure which formulation of the medication you have.
                    Can I take deferasirox if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
                    Deferasirox hasn’t been studied in human pregnancies, but animal studies suggest that this medication can cause harm to both mother and baby if taken during pregnancy. Additionally, animal studies suggest that deferasirox can be found in breast milk. And while it's unclear how it might affect breastfed babies, there's a risk that it can cause serious side effects, such as kidney or liver problems. Talk with your provider to discuss the benefits and risks of taking deferasirox if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
                    Will deferasirox affect how well my birth control pills work?
                    Deferasirox can cause hormonal birth control pills to not work as well. You should consider other methods of non-hormonal birth control while you're taking deferasirox. Some options include condoms, spermicides, and a copper intrauterine device (IUD). Ask your provider which method of birth control is right for you during treatment.
                    Can I take deferasirox with heartburn medications?
                    It's best to avoid taking aluminum-containing antacids, such as Mylanta, while taking deferasirox. Based on how it works, there's a chance that deferasirox will attach to the aluminum in the heartburn medication. This means it won't work as well at removing the iron from your body. If you have heartburn, ask your provider what are some heartburn medications that you can take while you're receiving deferasirox.
                    What is the difference between deferasirox, deferoxamine, and deferiprone for chronic iron overload?
                    Deferasirox, deferoxamine (Desferal), and deferiprone (Ferriprox) are all medications that can treat chronic iron overload. One of the main differences between them is how they're taken. Deferasirox is taken by mouth one time daily. Deferiprone (Ferriprox) is taken by mouth as well, but typically 3 times daily. Deferoxamine (Desferal) is an injection, typically given as a slow injection under the skin over the course of 8 to 12 hours. There are also other differences amongst these 3 medications, such as side effects. Typically, your provider will choose a treatment for you based on different factors, such as how serious the iron overload is, which area(s) of the body the iron build up is located, cost, and your preference. Sometimes, your provider might prescribe 2 different iron-chelating medications for you at the same time. Please talk with your provider to determine which treatment option is best for you.
                    Can deferasirox help with sickle cell anemia?
                    Yes, according to the American Society of Hematology, deferasirox can be used by people with sickle cell anemia. This is because some people with sickle cell anemia might need blood transfusions to treat their condition. And regular blood transfusions can sometimes cause a buildup of iron in the body. In these cases, deferasirox might be a good option to help lower iron levels in the body. If you have sickle cell anemia and are receiving regular blood transfusions, talk with your provider if you're concerned about iron overload.
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                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Deferasirox?

                    Deferasirox can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Sudden kidney problems

                    • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Severe blood diseases | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems | Young children | Children who are dehydrated

                      For certain people with one of the risk factors, such as kidney problems or severe blood diseases, deferasirox can cause sudden kidney problems that might require dialysis. These problems can be life-threatening, leading to kidney failure and death. If you have any of the risk factors, please talk with your provider so they can decide how you can safely take deferasirox.

                      You’ll need to get blood and urine tests done before you start treatment and while you take deferasirox so your provider can check your kidney health. If you or your child experiences vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or isn’t drinking fluids as often as usual during treatment, talk with your provider right away. You might need to stop deferasirox for a short period of time to prevent kidney problems. Please also talk with your provider if you or your child is urinating less than usual while taking deferasirox. This can be a symptom of kidney problems.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver problems

                      • Risk factors: History of liver problems | History of serious medical conditions, such as organ failure | People older than 55 years of age | Children who are dehydrated

                        Deferasirox can cause liver problems that can be life-threatening. These problems are more common in older people and people with organ failure or cirrhosis of the liver (long-term liver damage). Liver failure can also happen in children who become severely dehydrated. If you have any of the risk factors, please talk with your provider so they can decide how you can safely take deferasirox.

                        You’ll need to get blood tests done before you start treatment and while you take deferasirox so your provider can check your liver health. If you or your child experiences signs and symptoms of liver damage, such as feeling sleepy, upper right stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, please talk with your provider immediately.

                        risk-warning

                        Stomach bleeding and ulcers

                        • Risk factors: Older people with serious blood diseases | Low platelet count | Taking other medications that can cause stomach problems

                          People who take deferasirox can experience stomach bleeding and ulcers. In older people with serious blood problems, stomach bleeding can be life-threatening. Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, or blood thinners, can raise your risk of stomach bleeding. Tell your provider about all the medications that you take before starting deferasirox. If you have severe stomach pain, black and tarry stools, or blood in the urine while taking this medication, get medical help promptly.

                          risk-warning

                          Risk of blood problems

                          • Risk factors: History of blood problems

                            Taking deferasirox can lower the level of blood cells in your body. This can sometimes be life-threatening, especially if you have other serious blood problems. Your provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts for these problems. Please let your provider know if you have signs and symptoms of bleeding and infection, such as frequent fever or nose bleeds that don't stop.

                            risk-warning

                            Removal of too much iron from blood

                            Sometimes, deferasirox can remove too much iron from the blood, which can cause harm to your kidneys and liver. To prevent this from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of deferasirox that works well for you. If you're receiving blood transfusions, your provider will check your iron levels, kidney health, and liver health through blood tests at least every month to make sure your dose is safe for you. If you have NTDT, your provider will check the iron levels in your blood every month and measure the iron levels in your liver at least every 6 months.

                            risk-warning

                            Skin reactions

                            Deferasirox can sometimes cause rash and other severe skin reactions. If you have a mild or moderate rash, continue to take deferasirox and let your provider know. Oftentimes, the rash goes away on its own. If you have a severe rash or your rash gets worse, talk with your provider right away. You might need to stop taking deferasirox for a short period of time and restart at a lower dose after your rash is gone. If you have a rash with blisters on your lips, skin peeling, skin pain, mouth sores, or high fever, get medical help immediately and stop taking deferasirox.

                            risk-warning

                            Vision and hearing problems

                            • Risk factors: Children taking higher dose

                              People who take deferasirox can sometimes experience vision or hearing problems. These side effects are more common in children taking higher doses of deferasirox. You’ll need to get an eye exam and take a hearing test before starting deferasirox and once every year during treatment so your provider can make sure this medication is safe for you. If you experience hearing loss, difficulty hearing, cloudy, blurry, or dim vision, or see halos around lights while taking deferasirox, please talk with your provider right away.

                              dosage

                              Deferasirox dosage forms

                              Typical dosing for Deferasirox

                              The dose depends on which form of deferasirox you have and your body weight. Your provider will adjust your dose based on how much iron is in your blood.

                              Chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions:

                              • Tablets (Jadenu) or granules (Jadenu Sprinkle): The usual starting dose is 14 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily on an empty stomach or with a light meal, such as jelly or skim milk. The maximum dose is 28 mg/kg of body weight once daily.

                              • Dissolvable tablets (Exjade): The usual starting dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. The maximum dose is 40 mg/kg of body weight once daily.

                              Chronic iron overload in NTDT:

                              • Tablets (Jadenu) or granules (Jadenu Sprinkle): The usual starting dose is 7 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily on an empty stomach or with a light meal, such as jelly or skim milk. The maximum dose is 14 mg/kg of body weight once daily.

                              • Dissolvable tablets (Exjade): The usual starting dose is 10 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. The maximum dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight once daily.

                              Please note:

                              • There are different instructions on how to take the tablets, granules, and soluble tablets. Please read the FAQ and Pharmacist tips sections for details.

                              • Your dose might differ if you have kidney or liver problems.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Deferasirox and other drugs

                              Deferasirox may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Deferasirox. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              contraindications-icon

                              Deferasirox contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Deferasirox will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Moderate or severe kidney disease

                              • High-risk myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS), a group of blood conditions that causes low blood cells in the body

                              • Aggressive tumor or late-stage blood cancers

                              • Severely low platelet counts

                              • Have poor performance status (e.g., not able to fully care for self, in bed or chair more than half of the time while awake)

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Deferasirox?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Deferasirox. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Deferasirox
                              Used for:

                              Chronic iron overload (high iron levels in the blood for a long period of time) in:

                              View Prices
                              Deferoxamine (Desferal)
                              Used for:

                              • Too much iron as a result of multiple blood transfusions in people with certain types of anemia

                              • Severe and sudden iron poisoning

                              $33.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Deferiprone (Ferriprox)
                              Used for:

                              • Transfusion iron overload in people with certain blood diseases (thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other anemias)

                              View Prices
                              images

                              Deferasirox images

                              Blue Oval 360 And Df - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Df" And "360".Blue Oval 360 And Df - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              Blue Oval 665 And L - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "L" And "665".Blue Oval 665 And L - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              Pink Oblong C393 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Pink, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "C393".Pink Oblong C393 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              Blue Oval 360 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "360".Blue Oval 360 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              Blue Oval 1277 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "1277".Blue Oval 1277 - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              Blue Oval 360 And Df - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Df" And "360".Blue Oval 360 And Df - Deferasirox 360mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Deferasirox - deferasirox tablet, for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              American Cancer Society. (2018). What are myelodysplastic syndromes?

                              Apotex Corp. (2023). Deferoxamine mesylate injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              View All References (18)

                              Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Deferasirox - deferasirox granule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Cappellini M. D., et al. (2014). Table 5. Chemical and pharmacological properties of licensed chelators. Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia (TDT), 3rd edition.

                              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). 5 steps to safer blood transfusions if you have sickle cell disease.

                              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). What is sickle cell disease?

                              Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and American College of Radiology Imaging Network (n.d.). ECOG performance status scale.

                              Entezari, S., et al. (2022). Iron chelators in treatment of iron overload. Journal of Toxicology.

                              Howard, J. (2016). Sickle cell disease: When and how to transfuse. Hematology, American Society of Hematology Education Program.

                              Karimi, M., et al. (2015). Efficacy of deferasirox (Exjade®) in modulation of iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia. Hemoglobin.

                              Kwiatkowski, J.L. (2011). Real-world use of iron chelators. Hematology, American Society of Hematology Education Program.

                              MedlinePlus. (2017). Blood transfusion and donation.

                              Musallam, K. M., et al. (2013). Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias. Haematologica.

                              National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Creatinine.

                              National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                              National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR).

                              National Kidney Foundation. (2018). Can dehydration affect your kidneys?

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). Exjade- deferasirox tablet, for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). Jadenu- deferasirox tablet, film coated; deferasirox granule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Porter, J., et al. (2013). Consequences and management of iron overload in sickle cell disease. Hematology, American Society of Hematology Education Program.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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