Jadenu (Deferasirox) is a prescription medication used to remove excessive iron (chronic iron overload) from the blood stream which is due to repeated blood transfusion in people from 2 years and older. It is also an effective treatment for people with thalassemia. Blood transfusions have very helpful benefits, but they can cause the body to hold on to too much iron. The active ingredient in Jadenu is Deferasirox. Deferasirox belongs to the group of medication called iron chelators. It works by binding to iron, allowing the body to pass extra iron out in the stool.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Jadenu from Canada manufactured by Novartis and the generic Deferasirox from Canada by a different manufacturer.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Jadenu. The most common side effects of Jadenu may include:
• Abdominal pain;
• Cough;
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Throat infection
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects including:
• Blurry vision or problems with your sight;
• Difficulty in making urine;
• Loss of consciousness or sudden fall;
• Signs of intestinal bleeding such as bloody stool
You should not take Jadenu if you are allergic to Jadenu or if you have a severe kidney disease. Jadenu comes as a tablet. Swallow the Jadenu tablet whole with a full glass of water. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix it with soft food. You may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked every 6 months, and you may need a liver biopsy. You should use Jadenu as prescribed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms.
Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history especially if you:
• Have bone marrow disorders or blood cells cancer;
• Have lung or breathing problems;
• Have liver problems;
• Have low level of platelets in the blood;
• Have severe kidney problems;
• Have a weak immune system caused by HIV/AIDS
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Deferasirox. Deferasirox may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Jadenu and other medications such as antacid containing aluminium, clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen. You should the medication in safe place and out of reach of children.