Deferasirox Tablet for Oral Suspension 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg

Instructions

Stir the tablet into water, apple juice or orange juice until the tablet breaks apart and is well mixed. Use half cup of liquid for doses up to 1,000 mg or 1 cup for larger doses.

Drink the mixture right away. Add a little more liquid to the empty container and then drink again to get any remaining medicine.

Do not chew or swallow it whole.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking this medicine.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Do not take any antacids or vitamins with aluminum for 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine may cause serious bleeding problems in patients taking blood thinner medications. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to monitor your blood lab tests if you are on blood thinners.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Speak with your doctor before taking any medicine with aspirin.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• increased risk of bruising and bleeding
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• hearing loss
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• severe stomach or bowel pain
• dark, tarry stool
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.