Desirox 250mg Tab

DESIROX 250MG Tablet is a medication used to manage chronic iron overload in the body.

Name

• Common Name: Deferasirox
• Brand Name: DESIROX 250MG TAB (by CIPLA-NURTURE DIV), also known by other brand names like Exjade and Jadenu.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Deferasirox 250mg.

Uses

DESIROX 250MG Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of:

• Chronic iron overload resulting from frequent blood transfusions (transfusional hemosiderosis) in patients aged 2 years and older.
• Chronic iron overload in patients aged 10 years and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia syndromes, particularly those with elevated liver iron concentration and serum ferritin levels. It works as an iron chelator, binding to excess iron in the body to facilitate its removal, mainly through feces, thereby reducing the risk of organ damage.

Dosage and Administration

DESIROX is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food, preferably at the same time each day. The tablets should not be chewed or swallowed whole. They are usually dispersed by stirring in a glass of water, orange juice, or apple juice until a fine suspension is obtained, which should be consumed immediately. Dosage is weight-based and determined by a doctor.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach ache, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes.
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Kidney injury (decreased urination, swelling, unusual tiredness).
  • Liver injury (upper belly pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes).
  • Severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling, red skin rash).
  • Hearing and vision problems (blurred vision, difficulty with night vision, hearing loss).
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools, vomiting blood).

Precautions

• Regular monitoring of blood and urine tests, including kidney and liver function, and serum ferritin levels, is essential.
• Not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver impairment, poor performance status, or advanced malignancies.
• Avoid co-administration with aluminum-containing antacids as they may decrease absorption.
• Use with caution with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, oral bisphosphonates, or anticoagulants due to increased risk of GI bleeding.
• Patients should maintain adequate hydration, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor. Non-hormonal contraception methods are advised during treatment.

Storage

Store the medicine in a cool and dry place, away from moisture, heat, direct light, and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

DESIROX 250MG TAB by CIPLA-NURTURE DIV (active ingredient: Deferasirox) is a medication used to treat chronic iron overload. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

1. What is DESIROX 250MG Tablet used for?

DESIROX 250MG Tablet is primarily used to treat chronic iron overload in the body. This condition often results from frequent blood transfusions, such as in patients with beta-thalassemia major, sickle cell disease, and myelodysplastic syndrome. It is also indicated for chronic iron overload in patients aged 10 years and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

2. How does DESIROX 250MG Tablet work?

The active ingredient, deferasirox, is an iron chelator. It works by binding to the excess iron (specifically trivalent iron, Fe3+) in the body and facilitates its removal, primarily through the faeces. This process helps to reduce the accumulation of iron, thereby preventing organ damage to the liver, heart, and other tissues.

3. What is the usual dosage for DESIROX 250MG Tablet?

The typical initial daily dose for adults and children aged 2 years and over is usually 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. This should be taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal, preferably at the same time each day. Your doctor will determine the exact dosage based on your body weight and monitor your serum ferritin concentrations, adjusting the dose as needed, typically every 3-6 months. The tablets should be dispersed by stirring in water, apple juice, or orange juice (100 to 200 mL) until a fine suspension is obtained, and then swallowed immediately. The tablets must not be chewed or swallowed whole.

4. What are the possible side effects of DESIROX 250MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. Other reported side effects may include headache, constipation, indigestion, increased liver enzymes, earache, and respiratory tract infection. More serious side effects can include kidney or liver problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and, rarely, severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, you should consult your doctor.

5. Is DESIROX 250MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

DESIROX 250MG Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as there is limited human data, and animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as determined by your doctor. During breastfeeding, it is not known whether deferasirox is secreted into human milk. While some sources indicate it is probably safe if prescribed by an expert, generally, breastfeeding while taking DESIROX 250MG Tablet is not recommended.

6. Can DESIROX 250MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

DESIROX 250MG Tablet can interact with other medications. It should not be taken with aluminum-containing antacids as deferasirox may chelate aluminum. It may also decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills, so additional contraceptives should be used. Caution is advised when used with drugs that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, oral bisphosphonates, and anticoagulants. Additionally, it can interact with certain liver enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C8, UGT enzymes), potentially altering the concentration of co-administered drugs like cyclosporine, simvastatin, rifampicin, phenytoin, and theophylline. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, including herbal supplements, you are taking.

7. What precautions should be taken while using DESIROX 250MG Tablet?

It is crucial to monitor kidney and liver function regularly during treatment. DESIROX 250MG Tablet is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems, or advanced stages of cancer. Patients should be monitored for gastrointestinal bleeding, skin rashes, and vision or hearing changes. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may lead to unpleasant side effects. Driving or operating machinery should be avoided if the medicine causes dizziness, sleepiness, or affects vision.

8. What happens if a dose of DESIROX 250MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

9. How should DESIROX 250MG Tablet be stored?

Store DESIROX 250MG Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is usually below 30°C or between 10°C to 25°C.