Deferasirox (4 brand names, 3 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: TABLET, TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION, GRANULE.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- DEFERASIROX
- EXJADE
- JADENU
- JADENU SPRINKLE
Boxed Warning
Renal Failure Deferasirox can cause acute renal failure and death, particularly in patients with comorbidities and those who are in the advanced stages of their hematologic disorders. Evaluate baseline renal function prior to starting or increasing deferasirox dosing in all patients. Deferasirox is contraindicated in adult and pediatric patients with eGFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m2. Measure serum creatinine in duplicate prior to initiation of therapy. Monitor renal function at least monthly. For patients with baseline renal impairment or increased risk of acute renal failure, monitor renal function weekly for the first month, then at least monthly. Reduce the starting dose in patients with preexisting renal disease. During therapy, increase the frequency of monitoring and modify the dose for patients with an increased risk of renal impairment, including use of concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, and pediatric patients with volume depletion or overchelation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.4, 2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)]. Hepatic Failure Deferasirox can cause hepatic injury including hepatic failure and death. Measure serum transaminases and bilirubin in all patients prior to initiating treatment, every 2 weeks during the first month, and at least monthly thereafter. Avoid use of deferasirox in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment and reduce the dose in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Deferasirox can cause gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhages, which may be fatal, especially in elderly patients who have advanced hematologic malignancies and/or low platelet counts. Monitor patients and discontinue deferasirox for suspected GI ulceration or hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Contraindications
Deferasirox is contraindicated in patients with: Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]; Poor performance status [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]; High-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (this patient population was not studied and is not expected to benefit from chelation therapy); Advanced malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]; Platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4)]; Known hypersensitivity to deferasirox or any component of deferasirox [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Acute Kidney Injury, Including Acute Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis, and Renal Tubular Toxicity Including Fanconi Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.6)] Hepatic Toxicity and Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.6)] GI Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Bone Marrow Suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Severe Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Skin Rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Auditory and Ocular Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
Mechanism of Action
Deferasirox is an orally active chelator that is selective for iron (as Fe 3+). It is a tridentate ligand that binds iron with high affinity in a 2:1 ratio. Although deferasirox has very low affinity for zinc and copper, there are variable decreases in the serum concentration of these trace metals after the administration of deferasirox. The clinical significance of these decreases is uncertain.
Overdosage
Cases of overdose (2 to 3 times the prescribed dose for several weeks) have been reported. In one case, this resulted in hepatitis which resolved without long-term consequences after a dose interruption. In one pediatric case, a dose of 2-3 times the prescribed dose for 6 days resulted in acute renal failure requiring hemofiltration and acute liver injury/failure, which were reversible with intensive care support. Single doses of deferasirox up to 80 mg per kg per day with the tablet for oral suspension formulation in iron-overloaded beta-thalassemic patients have been tolerated with nausea and diarrhea noted. In healthy subjects, single doses of up to 40 mg per kg per day with the tablet for oral suspension formulation were tolerated. Early signs of acute overdose are digestive effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Hepatic and renal disorders have been reported, including cases of liver enzyme and creatinine increased with recovery after treatment discontinuation. An erroneously administered single dose of 90 mg/ kg led to Fanconi syndrome which resolved after treatment. There is no specific antidote for deferasirox. In case of overdose, it may be treated with induction of vomiting or gastric lavage, and by symptomatic treatment.