Side Effects of deferasirox: A Synthesis of Findings from 25 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of deferasirox
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of deferasirox: A Synthesis of Findings from 25 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of deferasirox: A Synthesis of Findings from 25 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Key Research Findings

Deferasirox is an oral iron chelator approved for treating iron overload. It has been shown to be effective in reducing iron levels in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia 19 , myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) 18 , and even in patients with acute iron intoxication 20 . It also showed promise in treating iron overload after bone marrow transplantation 6 and has been used long-term in patients with aceruloplasminaemia 12 . Furthermore, combining deferasirox with hydroxyurea 23 might provide an additional benefit of iron chelation in patients receiving chronic transfusion therapy.

Reasons for Side Effects

Deferasirox can cause side effects due to its mechanism of action. It binds to iron in the body, which can lead to disruptions in various metabolic processes. This can affect the function of organs like the kidneys and liver, resulting in adverse effects. 1 specifically highlights the risk of Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder, as a potential side effect of deferasirox. Moreover, high doses of deferasirox might not be effective in removing iron from the heart 14 , which could increase the risk of serious toxicities.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal issues are among the most frequently reported side effects of deferasirox. 24 found that 37.5% of patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea being the most common. 16 also noted gastrointestinal side effects in 16.6% of patients with β-thalassemia in North India. 15 mentions that the initial formulation of deferasirox (Exjade®) had a bad taste and caused abdominal discomfort, leading to challenges in patient adherence.

Skin

Skin rashes are another common side effect. 24 , 16 , and 18 all report skin rashes as a potential side effect.

Kidney

Deferasirox can sometimes lead to kidney dysfunction. 1 describes the risk of Fanconi syndrome, a specific kidney disorder associated with deferasirox. While 24 reported an increase in serum creatinine levels in 2 patients, these levels remained within the normal range. Similarly, 2 observed a significant increase in serum creatinine, but it was still within normal limits for all patients.

Blood

Decreases in blood cell counts, particularly granulocytes, have been observed. 24 found a decrease in granulocytes in 5 patients and agranulocytosis (a severe lack of granulocytes) in 2 patients. 16 reported reversible cytopenia in one patient. However, it's important to note that 12 suggests that deferasirox might even have a positive effect on anemia, although the mechanism for this is not fully understood.

Liver

Liver function may also be impacted. 14 suggests that deferasirox may not be as effective at preventing iron accumulation in the liver. However, 2 found no negative effects on liver function (AST, ALT, and hemoglobin levels) in patients taking deferasirox.

Side Effect Management

Gastrointestinal

If you experience gastrointestinal issues, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or exploring dietary changes. 24 suggests that lowering the deferasirox dose can help manage these symptoms. A high-fiber diet and easily digestible foods can also alleviate discomfort. 16 emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans with careful dose adjustments to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. 15 notes that the newer film-coated tablet formulation of deferasirox (Jadenu®) has a better taste and fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to the older formulation (Exjade®), which may improve patient adherence.

Skin

If you develop a rash, consult your doctor. They might adjust your dosage or prescribe steroid creams. 24 recommends discontinuing deferasirox if skin rashes occur. 16 notes that rashes can develop within a few weeks of starting deferasirox, so monitoring is important. 18 also advises caution and monitoring for skin rash.

Kidney

Regular kidney function monitoring is crucial. Consult your doctor for blood tests to check your kidney health. 1 emphasizes the need for regular monitoring to detect any potential kidney issues. While 24 and 2 found elevated serum creatinine levels, these were still within normal ranges in their studies.

Blood

Consult your doctor for blood tests if you are concerned about changes in your blood cell counts. 24 recommends discontinuing deferasirox if granulocyte counts decrease or agranulocytosis occurs. Medications like granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can help increase granulocyte counts. 16 found that reversible cytopenia resolved when deferasirox was discontinued. While 12 suggests potential benefits of deferasirox on anemia, more research is needed to understand the mechanism and confirm its effectiveness.

Other

For any other side effects, consult with your doctor.

Comparison Among Studies

Similarities

Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness of deferasirox in reducing iron overload. They also consistently report a range of side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, kidney dysfunction, blood abnormalities, and liver function changes.

Differences

The specific incidence rates and types of side effects vary between studies. For example, 24 found a higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects (37.5%) compared to 16 (16.6%). These differences may be attributed to factors such as the patient population, the severity of iron overload, and the dosage of deferasirox used. 14 suggests that high doses of deferasirox may not be as effective at removing iron from the heart, but other studies have not reported this finding. These variations highlight the need for continued research to fully understand the side effect profile of deferasirox.

Precautions for Real-Life Applications

Deferasirox, while effective in managing iron overload, carries a risk of side effects. Regular monitoring with blood tests is crucial to identify any potential issues. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. It is important to emphasize that deferasirox should always be taken as prescribed by your physician to minimize potential risks.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of deferasirox is still ongoing, and many aspects remain to be fully understood. More research is needed to gain a clearer picture of the incidence rates, types, and severity of side effects, as well as to develop effective strategies for managing and preventing them.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

  • Large-scale clinical trials to gather more data on the incidence, types, and severity of side effects associated with deferasirox
  • Development of new medications that can reduce or prevent deferasirox-related side effects
  • Identification of biomarkers that can help detect potential side effects early
Through these efforts, we can enhance our understanding of deferasirox side effects and develop safer and more effective treatment strategies for patients with iron overload.

Conclusion

Deferasirox is a valuable tool for treating iron overload, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Close monitoring, regular blood tests, and open communication with your doctor are essential for safe and effective use of this medication. Remember, your doctor is your best resource for information and guidance regarding your treatment plan.

Literature analysis of 25 papers
Positive Content
22
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
1
Article Type
0
0
1
7
24
1.

Deferasirox-associated Fanconi syndrome in adult patients with transfusional iron overload.

Author: YuiJennifer C, GearaAbdallah, SayaniFarzana

Iron overload treatment
Renal Fanconi syndrome

Deferasirox, a medication for iron overload, can cause renal Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder characterized by proximal tubular dysfunction and acidosis. While renal function monitoring is recommended, there's no standard protocol. This study aims to describe cases of deferasirox-induced Fanconi syndrome in adults and outline the necessary renal monitoring to identify this side effect.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Posttransplant oral iron-chelating therapy in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

Author: YesilipekM Akif, KarasuGulsun, KazikMediha, UygunVedat, OzturkZeynep

Posttransplant iron overload
Reduced ferritin levels
Increased creatinine

This study examined the use of deferasirox in patients with beta-thalassemia after bone marrow transplantation. It found that deferasirox reduced serum ferritin levels while maintaining other parameters within normal ranges. This suggests it could be a safe and effective treatment for iron overload in these patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Iron; Benefits or threatens (with emphasis on mechanism and treatment of its poisoning).

Author: Rafati RahimzadehMehrdad, Rafati RahimzadehMehravar, KazemiSohrab, MoghadamniaAhmad Reza, Ghaemi AmiriMaryam, MoghadamniaAli Akbar

Iron chelation
Iron poisoning

Iron poisoning causes clinical manifestations in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, heart, kidneys, and hematopoietic system. Treatment includes whole bowel irrigation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and chelation therapy with agents like deferoxamine mesylate, deferasirox, deferiprone, and deferitrin.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

6.

Oral iron chelator deferasirox in the treatment of secondary hemochromatosis following bone marrow transplantation in a patient with severe aplastic anemia.

Author: QuartaA, MelpignanoA, QuartaG

Iron overload treatment

This study reports a case of a bone marrow transplant patient with iron overload treated successfully with deferasirox, which normalized ferritin and liver iron levels with minimal side effects.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Recent developments in iron chelation therapy.

Author: CarioH, Janka-SchaubG, JanssenG, JarischA, StraussG, KohneE

Improved life expectancy
Iron chelation therapy
Side effects

Iron chelation therapy options have expanded with the development of oral chelators like deferiprone and deferasirox, offering more tailored treatment for transfusional hemosiderosis.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Evaluation of Efficacy, Safety, and Satisfaction Taking Deferasirox Twice Daily Versus Once Daily in Patients With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia.

Author: KarimiMehran, HaghpanahSezaneh, BahoushGholamreza, AnsariShahla, AzarkeivanAzita, ShahsavaniAmin, BazrafshanAsghar, JangjouAli

Thalassemia treatment

Deferasirox is an oral iron chelator for thalassemia patients. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of a twice-daily deferasirox dose in patients who were not responding well to the standard once-daily dose.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

11.

Protective Effects of Curcumin against Iron-induced Toxicity.

Author: MoinipourNastaran, BaratiMahdi, SahebkarAmirhossein, IranshahyMilad, ShakeriAbolfazl

Iron chelation

Iron overload can damage various organs, including the liver and heart. Iron chelation therapy can remove excess iron but has side effects. Curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, shows promise as a safer alternative for managing iron overload due to its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Aceruloplasminaemia: a family with a novel mutation and long-term therapy with deferasirox.

Author: LindnerU, SchuppanD, SchleithoffL, HabeckJ-O, GroddeT, KirchhofK, StoelzelU

Anemia
Glucose metabolism
Iron depletion
Iron overload

Aceruloplasminaemia (ACP) is a rare genetic disease causing iron overload. This study reports a novel mutation and demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of long-term deferasirox treatment for 2 years, leading to iron depletion and improved anemia.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Efficacy and Safety of Iron Chelation Therapy After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Thalassemia Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Author: KupesizFunda T, SivriceCigdem, AkinelAysenur, KintrupGulen T, GulerElif, KupesizAlphan

Reduced iron overload

This study focuses on the management of iron overload in children with thalassemia major after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It presents the outcomes of patients who received oral chelation therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

17.

Systemic iron chelation results in limited functional and histological recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in rats.

Author: SauerbeckAndrew, SchonbergDavid L, LawsJames L, McTigueDana M

Improved Recovery
Iron Accumulation
Systemic Anemia

Oral deferasirox, an iron chelator, showed modest improvements in hindlimb function (but not tissue sparing) in rats with spinal cord injury in some studies. However, longer treatments and higher doses led to no significant improvements and toxic side effects like anemia, suggesting it may not be the best treatment option for spinal cord injury.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

18.

Efficacy and safety of deferasirox in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Author: BrecciaMassimo, AlimenaGiuliana

Improved Survival
Reduced Ferritin
Creatinine Change
GI Disturbances
Organ Damage
Oxidative Stress
Skin Rash

This review discusses the use of deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients who may develop organ damage due to iron overload. Deferasirox can reduce iron levels and has a relatively good safety profile, though it can cause some side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

19.

Efficacy And Tolerability Of Oral Iron Chelator, Deferasirox.

Author: TahirAwais, HussainSyed Ibrar, KhanHuma Saleem, KhalilSumaira, HaiderSyed Zulfiqar, LodhiMunir Akmal

Prevented complications of hemosiderosis

Thalassemia major is a severe form of β-thalassemia characterized by severe anemia and iron overload. This abstract describes the disease and highlights the importance of iron chelation therapy to prevent organ damage.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

A Young Adult with Unintended Acute Intravenous Iron Intoxication Treated with Oral Chelation: The Use of Liver Ferriscan for Diagnosing and Monitoring Tissue Iron Load.

Author: YassinMohamed, SolimanAshraf T, De SanctisVincenzo, MoustafaAbbas, SamaanSandra Abou, NashwanAbdulqadir

Effective oral chelation

Oral deferasirox can be effective in treating acute iron intoxication. A case study of a nurse with accidental high-dose intravenous iron showed that oral deferasirox effectively reduced liver iron overload without significant side effects. Liver iron content was monitored using Ferriscan.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

21.

Iron chelation and multiple sclerosis.

Author: WeigelKelsey J, LynchSharon G, LeVineSteven M

Iron chelation therapy
Side effects

Iron accumulation in the brain is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Iron chelation therapy could be beneficial, as it has shown promise in animal models and preliminary studies with deferoxamine. While some side effects occurred, they were manageable. Deferiprone, an oral chelator that crosses the blood-brain barrier, could be a better option for MS patients, but close monitoring is essential.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

22.

Deferasirox for managing transfusional iron overload in people with sickle cell disease.

Author: MeerpohlJoerg J, AntesGerd, RückerGerta, FleemanNigel, NiemeyerCharlotte, BasslerDirk

Iron overload prevention
Deferasirox safety

Sickle cell disease patients sometimes require blood transfusions, which can lead to iron overload. Iron chelation therapy, using drugs like deferoxamine and deferiprone, can prevent complications. Deferasirox is a newer oral chelator with potential benefits but raises questions about its effectiveness and safety.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

24.

Efficacy and safety of administration of oral iron chelator deferiprone in patients with early myelodysplastic syndrome.

Author: CermakJaroslav, JonasovaAnna, VondrakovaJana, WalterovaLenka, HochovaIvana, SiskovaMagda, NeuwirtovaRadana

Reduced iron overload
Agranulocytosis
Gastrointestinal symptoms

Deferiprone (L1) was effective in treating iron overload in some patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), particularly those with initial serum ferritin levels below 2000 μg/L. Combining L1 with erythropoietin helped some patients with higher ferritin levels. Gastrointestinal issues and low white blood cell counts were common side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

25.

Efficacy and safety of deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, in heavily iron-overloaded patients with beta-thalassaemia: the ESCALATOR study.

Author: TaherAli, El-BeshlawyAmal, ElalfyMohsen S, Al ZirKusai, DaarShahina, HabrDany, Kriemler-KrahnUlrike, HmissiAbdel, Al JefriAbdullah

Reduced iron burden

This study discussed the risks of iron overload in patients receiving transfusions and highlighted that oral deferasirox can reduce iron levels, which is important because poor compliance with older chelation therapies can contribute to organ damage and premature death.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.