Deferasirox: What it is and why it is taken

used to remove excess iron from the body.

Editorial board Deferasirox - Chemical Structure

In fact, deferasirox is an iron chelator that binds to the metal present in excess in the body, promoting its elimination mainly through the faeces.

To carry out its action, it must be taken orally; the medicines that contain it are in fact formulated in the form of tablets, dispersible tablets and granules for oral use. In Italy, deferasirox is available in the medicinal product with the trade name Exjade®.

In order to be sold, deferasirox-based medicines require presentation of a non-repeatable limitative medical prescription or RNRL (drugs that can be sold to the public only on prescription from hospitals or specialists); being classified as class A drugs, their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System.

in patients with beta-thalassemia major aged six years or older.

Deferasirox is used to treat iron overload even when deferoxamine therapy is contraindicated or inadequate in:

• Patients with beta thalassemia major with iron overload due to infrequent blood transfusions;
• Patients with other forms of anemia;
• Children between the ages of 2 and 5.

Finally, the use of deferasirox is indicated for the treatment of iron overload when deferoxamine therapy is contraindicated or inadequate in patients aged 10 years or older with iron overload associated with thalassemia syndromes, but not requiring transfusion. In fact, even if the patient does not undergo transfusions, it is possible that iron accumulation occurs as a result of increased absorption of the metal taken from the diet in response to a low number of blood cells.

(sign of kidney problems);

You have heart problems caused by iron overload;

Signs of severe allergic reactions appear, such as severe rash, difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of the face and throat;

A combination of any of the following symptoms occurs: rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, peeling of the skin, high fever, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes (signs of skin reaction serious);

You experience sleepiness, upper right abdominal pain, yellowing or increased yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine (signs of liver problems);

Thinking difficulties, memory difficulties, difficulty solving problems, reduced concentration and awareness, tiredness and low energy occur (signs of high levels of ammonium in the blood which may be associated with liver or kidney problems);

You vomit blood and / or have black stools

Frequent abdominal pain occurs, in particular, after eating or after taking deferasirox;

Heartburn occurs;

Diarrhea or vomiting appear;

Visual disturbances arise;

You have low levels of platelets or white blood cells.

During treatment with deferasirox, the doctor will also have the patient undergo regular tests and examinations to evaluate the iron levels in the body, kidney and liver function, vision and hearing.