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Exjade Information

Exjade (Deferasirox) is a prescription used to treat ongoing high levels of iron in the body caused by multiple blood transfusions in adults and children (at least 2 years old) with certain types of blood diseases (such as sickle cell disease, and anemia). Exjade could be used to reduce chronic iron overload in patients who are receiving long-term blood transfusions for conditions such as beta-thalassemia and other chronic blood conditions). It is also used to treat high levels of iron in people with a certain genetic blood disorder who do not require blood transfusions (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). Exjade belongs to a class of drugs known as oral iron-chelating agents. It works by binding to excess iron, allowing the body to pass extra iron out in the stool, thereby relieving the iron overload caused by blood transfusions.

Exjade Side Effects

The common side effects of Exjade may include nausea, vomiting, stomach or abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, anxiety, tired feeling, sleep problems (insomnia), rash, discolored skin, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, skin rash, swelling, and headache. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious adverse side effects occur:
• Anxiety;
• Blurred or cloudy eyesight;
• Heartburn or abdominal pain (ulcers) particularly after eating or taking the drug;
• Increased frequency of flu-like symptoms or infections;
• Partial vision loss;
• Reduced hearing or hearing loss;
• Signs of anemia (e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath);
• Signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, blood in urine, coughing blood);
• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production);
• Swelling of the arms or legs.

Exjade Precautions

Before you begin using Exjade, be sure to inform your doctor of any allergies, medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any other important information. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Exjade may interact with:
• Antacids that contain aluminum, other iron chelating medicines (alendronate, etidronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, risedronate, tiludronate, zoledronic acid);
• Antibiotics;
• Birth control pills;
• Blood thinners;
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs;
• Heart or blood pressure medications;
• Heart rhythm medications;
• HIV medicines;
• Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Sedatives;
• Steroids.

Do not use other iron-chelating medicines such as deferoxamine, unless your doctor has told you to. Exjade may impair your thinking or reactions; be careful if you drive or do anything that requires alertness. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have:
• Advanced cancer;
• Certain bone marrow disorders involving damaged blood-forming cells;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low platelet counts.

Do I need a prescription to order Exjade?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Exjade.