pharmacopeia
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/api/v1/drug/deferasirox

Boxed warning

RENAL FAILURE, HEPATIC FAILURE, and GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE 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 m 2 . 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.

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

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.

Cytochrome P450 1A2Cytochrome P450 2C8

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Deferasirox tablets are an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions in patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Deferasirox tablets are indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload in patients 10 years of age and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes, and with a liver iron (Fe) concentration (LIC) of at least 5 mg Fe per gram of dry weight (Fe/g dw) and a serum ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L.( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use The safety and efficacy of deferasirox tablets when administered with other iron chelation therapy have not been established.

Contraindications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Deferasirox is contraindicated in patients with: Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [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 10 9 /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)]. Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 .contraindicated

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

Transfusional Iron Overload: Initial dose for patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 is 14 mg per kg (calculated to nearest whole tablet ) once daily. ( 2.1 ) NTDT Syndromes: Initial dose for patients with eGFR greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 is 7 mg per kg (calculated to nearest whole tablet) once daily. ( 2.2 ) See full prescribing information for information regarding monitoring, administration, and dose-reductions for organ impairment. ( 2.1 , 2,2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1Transfusional Iron Overload Deferasirox tablets therapy should only be considered when a patient has evidence of chronic transfusional iron overload. The evidence should include the transfusion of at least 100 mL/kg of packed red blood cells (e.g., at least 20 units of packed red blood cells for a 40 kg person or more in individuals weighing more than 40 kg), and a serum ferritin consistently greater than 1,000 mcg/L. Prior to starting therapy, or increasing dose, evaluate: Serum ferritin level Obtain renal function Obtain serum creatinine in duplicate (due to variations in measurements). Calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Use a prediction equation appropriate for adult patients (e.g., CKD-EPI, MDRD method) and in pediatric patients (e.g., Schwartz equations). Obtain urinalyses and serum electrolytes to evaluate renal tubular function [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Warnings & precautions

Sourced from openFDA

Acute Kidney Injury: Measure serum creatinine in duplicate before starting therapy. Monitor renal function during deferasirox therapy and reduce dose or interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 2.1 , 2.4 , 5.1 ) Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function. Reduce dose or interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 5.2 ) Fatal and Nonfatal Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding, Ulceration, and Irritation: Risk may be greater in patients who are taking deferasirox in combination with drugs that have known ulcerogenic or hemorrhagic potential. ( 5.3 ) Bone Marrow Suppression: Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, worsening anemia, and thrombocytopenia, including fatal events; monitor blood counts during deferasirox therapy. Interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 5.4 ) Age-related Risk of Toxicity: Monitor elderly and pediatric patients closely for toxicity. ( 5.5 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue deferasirox for severe reactions and institute medical intervention. ( 5.7 ) Severe Skin Reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): Discontinue deferasirox. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Acute Kidney Injury, Including Acute Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis and Renal Tubular Toxicity Including Fanconi Syndrome Deferasirox is contraindicated in patients with eGFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Exercise caution in pediatric patients with eGFR between 40 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . If treatment is needed, use the minimum effective dose and monitor renal function frequently.

Adverse reactions

Sourced from openFDA

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) ] In patients with transfusional iron overload, the most frequently occurring (greater than 5%) adverse reactions are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and increases in serum creatinine.In deferasirox-treated patients with NTDT syndromes, the most frequently occurring (greater than 5%) adverse reactions are diarrhea, rash, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact MSN Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-855-668-2369 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Deferasirox was evaluated in healthy volunteer trials.

Use in specific populations

Sourced from openFDA

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no studies with the use of deferasirox in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Administration of deferasirox to rats during pregnancy resulted in decreased offspring viability and an increase in renal anomalies in male offspring at doses that were about or less than the recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. No fetal effects were noted in pregnant rabbits at doses equivalent to the human recommended dose on an mg/m 2 basis. Deferasirox should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.All pregnancies had a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal developmental studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received oral deferasirox during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day in rats and 50 mg/kg/day in rabbits (1.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on an mg/m 2 basis). These doses resulted in maternal toxicity but no fetal harm was observed.

Pharmacokinetics

Sourced from openFDA
Metabolism
Absorption Based on studies in patients with the tablet for oral suspension, deferasirox is absorbed following oral administration with median times to maximum plasma concentration (T max ) of about 1.5 to 4 hours. In healthy subjects, deferasirox showed comparable T max .

Overdosage

Sourced from openFDA

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.

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • Nov 2, 2005NDANDA021882Novartis
  • Mar 30, 2015NDANDA206910Novartis Pharms Corp
  • Jan 26, 2016ANDAANDA203560Actavis Elizabeth
  • May 18, 2017NDANDA207968Novartis
  • Nov 20, 2019ANDAANDA210920Bionpharma
  • Nov 20, 2019ANDAANDA210945Msn
  • Nov 20, 2019ANDAANDA211383Zydus Pharms
  • Nov 20, 2019ANDAANDA210060Alembic

FAERS reports

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Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
26,262 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Death4,70018%
  2. 2Diarrhoea2,3408.9%
  3. 3Sickle Cell Anaemia With Crisis1,8116.9%
  4. 4Pyrexia1,4645.6%
  5. 5Nausea1,4285.4%
  6. 6Haemoglobin Decreased1,4075.4%
  7. 7Pneumonia1,2494.8%
  8. 8Serum Ferritin Increased1,1764.5%
  9. 9Malaise1,1284.3%
  10. 10Fatigue1,1224.3%
  11. 11Vomiting1,0994.2%
  12. 12Abdominal Pain9043.4%
  13. 13Pain8973.4%
  14. 14Blood Creatinine Increased8313.2%
  15. 15Platelet Count Decreased8193.1%

Literature

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Recent PubMed references pinned to Deferasirox as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 111 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Deferasirox as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Frequently asked questions

How does Deferasirox work?
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.
What is Deferasirox used for?
According to FDA labeling, Deferasirox carries indications including: Deferasirox tablets are an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions in patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Deferasirox tablets are indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload in patients 10 years of age and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes, and with a liver iron (Fe) concentration (LIC) of at least 5 mg Fe per gram of dry weight (Fe/g dw) and a serum ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L.( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use The safety and efficacy of deferasirox tablets when administered with other iron chelation therapy have not been established.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Deferasirox?
Deferasirox is classified as Iron chelating agents, Iron Chelator, Cytochrome P450 1A2 Inhibitors, Cytochrome P450 2C8 Inhibitors, Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inducers, Iron Chelating Activity.
What are the brand names for Deferasirox?
Deferasirox is marketed under brand names including Exjade, Jadenu.
What are the contraindications for Deferasirox?
Deferasirox labeling lists contraindications including: Deferasirox is contraindicated in patients with: Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [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 10 9 /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)]. Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 .. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
Note. Data for deferasirox is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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