Chelova 180

Indications

Deferasirox removes extra iron from the body. It is used for:

• Long-term iron overload caused by repeated blood transfusions, for example in thalassaemia, in adults and children aged 2 years and over.
• Iron overload in thalassaemia patients who do not need regular transfusions, when Deferoxamine is not suitable.

How It Works

Deferasirox is an iron chelator, which means it binds tightly to excess iron in the body. The bound iron is then passed out, mainly in the stool. This protects the heart, liver and other organs from damage caused by iron build-up.

Dosage and Administration

Take as prescribed. The dose is based on body weight and is adjusted by the doctor, usually according to monthly blood ferritin (iron store) results. It is taken once a day, at about the same time each day.

• Dispersible tablets: stir into a glass of water, orange juice or apple juice until dissolved, drink at once, then rinse the glass with a little more liquid and drink that too. Take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. Do not chew or swallow whole.
• Film-coated tablets: swallow whole with water, on an empty stomach or with a light meal.
• The two types have different doses and must not be swapped without the doctor's advice.

Interactions

• Antacids containing aluminium should not be taken at the same time.
• Do not combine with other iron chelators unless the specialist advises it.
• Medicines that can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding (NSAID painkillers, corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, blood thinners) raise the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Rifampicin, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Ritonavir and Cholestyramine can lower its effect.
• It can raise the levels of Repaglinide, Theophylline and Busulfan.

Contraindications

• Allergy to deferasirox or any ingredient of the product.
• Moderate to severe kidney impairment.
• Severe liver impairment.
• Very low platelet count, high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome or advanced cancer.

Side Effects

Common: stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, skin rash, headache, and a rise in blood creatinine (a kidney test) or liver enzymes.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• Vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, or severe stomach pain.
• Passing much less urine than usual, or swelling of the legs.
• Yellow skin or eyes, confusion or unusual drowsiness.
• Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
• Sudden changes in vision or hearing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in pregnancy unless the doctor decides it is clearly needed. It may make hormonal birth control pills less effective, so an extra or different method is advised. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Kidney and liver tests and ferritin are checked before starting and regularly during treatment.
• Eye and hearing checks are advised before starting and once a year.
• Avoid dehydration; tell the doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Extra care in older people and in children.

Overdose

Overdose can cause stomach upset and kidney or liver problems. Seek medical help straight away and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Iron chelating agent.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.