Prescription Required
Description
Exjade is an oral (tablet) iron chelator drug made up of deferasirox. You can purchase Exjade in the following doses; 125mg, 250mg, 500mg!
Deferasirox (Exjade) is a medication used in patients who have persistently high levels of iron. This is most commonly given to patients who have gone through multiple blood transfusions or patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (a condition that causes chronic iron overload syndrome). A person who has high levels of iron for prolonged amounts of time risk developing conditions such as liver disease, heart attacks, heart failure, diabetes and much more.
This medication is effective in treating high levels of iron as the deferasirox binds the iron and allows the bound iron to pass through the bloodline and into the stool where it will then exit the body through defecation.
Directions
Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Most prescription labels have the directions written on them for your convenience.
This medication is most effective when taken at the same time every day. Take Exjade on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before eating.
This tablet is not swallowed whole, though it should not be crushed or chewed either. To properly take this tablet, stir it into water, orange juice, or apple juice until the tablets have completely dissolved. Drink the mixture right away, once finished, add more liquid and drink all of it again. This is to ensure any excess medicine that may still be in the cup is taken.
Less than 1 gram dose
Stir the tablets into about 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/100 milliliters) of liquid.
More than 1 gram dose
Stir the tablets into about 1 cup (7 ounces/200 milliliters) of liquid.
Cautions
Some medical conditions as well as medications to treat those conditions shouldn’t be mixed with Exjade (deferasirox) as they can cause unwanted adverse interactions and sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor about all past medical conditions as well as all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over the counter, herbal supplements and vitamins, to determine if this medication is right for you. Conditions that react to Exjade include severe kidney or liver disease, advanced cancer, a blood cell or bone marrow disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood; it is recommended patients with these conditions do not use Exjade. Medications such as hormonal birth controls may become less effective if used with Exjade. Some conditions may still not interact well with Exjade however dose adjustments or special instructions can be given to reduce the chance of negative effects from occurring. The conditions that may need a dose adjustment include kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, cancer, stomach ulcers, stomach or intestine bleeding, vision or hearing problems or a weak immune system caused by disease, steroids, chemotherapy or radiation. It is not known whether or not this medication will harm an unborn baby; if you are pregnant, speak to your doctor about the risks of taking Exjade while pregnant. It is recommended that you do not breastfeed if you are currently taking Exjade.
Side Effects
This is not a complete list of side effects. You may not experience any of the listed side effects.
Common side effects of Exjade may include:
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; diarrhea; or skin rash.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Exjade may include:
problems with vision or hearing;
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Signs to watch for:
kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
low blood cell counts - fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
FAQs
Are there any tests needed during the treatment of Exjade?
You may need to take frequent blood tests as well as kidney or liver function tests every 6 months. Sometimes a liver biopsy is required.
What does this medication look like?
Exjade is a small white pill. It is usually labeled “NVR” (front) and “JX” (back) (X = DOSE STRENGTH).
How should I store this medication?
Exjade should be stored at room temperature. Protect Exjade from heat and moisture. For safety measures, keep out of reach of children and pets.
What if I miss a dose?
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. If it hasn’t been long since you were suppose to take the dose, you may take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed dose.
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