Exjade

Generic name:deferasirox [ de-FER-a-sir-ox ]
Drug class:Chelating agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 1, 2020.

What is Exjade?

Exjade binds to iron and removes it from the bloodstream.

Exjade is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Exjade is also used to treat chronic iron overload syndrome caused by a genetic blood disorder (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Warnings

You should not use Exjade if you have severe kidney or liver disease, advanced cancer, a blood cell or bone marrow disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood.

Exjade can harm your liver or kidneys. Call your doctor at once if you have swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, pain in your upper stomach, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urinating, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Exjade may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as bloody or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

While you are taking deferasirox, do not take antacids that contain aluminum, such as Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mi-Acid, Mylanta, Rulox, and others.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Exjade if you are allergic to deferasirox, or if you have:

• severe liver or kidney disease;

• advanced cancer;

• a bone marrow disorder; or

• low levels of platelets in your blood.