Jadenu 180mg Tablets

Manufacturer NOVARTIS Active Ingredient Deferasirox Tablets(de FER a sir ox) Pronunciation de-FER-a-sir-ox (Jadenu: JAH-den-oo)
WARNING: This drug may cause kidney problems. Some people have needed dialysis. Sometimes, these kidney problems have been deadly. The risk of kidney problems may be higher if you already have kidney problems or other health problems. You will need to have your kidney function checked as you have been told by your doctor. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.If you are dehydrated or are taking any drugs that can raise the chance of kidney problems, talk with your doctor. There are many drugs that can raise the chance of kidney problems. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.This drug may cause liver problems. Sometimes, this has been deadly. The risk of liver problems may be higher if you are older than 55 years or if you already have liver problems or other health problems. You will need to have your liver function checked as you have been told by your doctor. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.If you have kidney or liver problems, talk with your doctor. This drug may need to be avoided or the dose may need to be changed with certain types of kidney or liver problems.This drug may raise the chance of severe and sometimes deadly stomach or bowel problems like ulcers or bleeding. The risk is greater in older people, and in people who have had stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding before. These problems may occur without warning signs. @ COMMON USES: It is used to get rid of iron when too much is in the body.
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Drug Class
Iron Chelator
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Pharmacologic Class
Chelating Agent
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Pregnancy Category
Not available
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FDA Approved
Mar 2015
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Jadenu is a medicine used to remove extra iron from your body. Too much iron can build up from frequent blood transfusions or certain blood disorders, and it can harm your organs. Jadenu helps your body get rid of this extra iron.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication:

On an empty stomach or with a light meal
By mouth with water or another liquid
* At the same time every day

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can crush them and mix with a small amount of soft food. Take the mixture immediately and do not store it for later use. However, do not crush the 90 mg tablet using certain types of tablet crushers. If you need to crush the 90 mg tablet, consult with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Continuing Your Medication

Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take Jadenu once daily at the same time each day. It can be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal (e.g., toast, skim milk).
  • Swallow Jadenu tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or cut them.
  • Do not take with aluminum-containing antacids (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta).
  • Stay well-hydrated while taking this medication.
  • Attend all scheduled blood tests and doctor appointments to monitor for side effects and effectiveness.
  • Avoid high doses of Vitamin C (>80 mg/day) unless advised by your doctor.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Initial dose for transfusional iron overload: 14 mg/kg once daily. Initial dose for non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes: 7 mg/kg once daily.
Dose Range: 7 - 28 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

transfusionalIronOverload: Initial 14 mg/kg once daily. Adjust in 3.5-7 mg/kg increments/decrements based on serum ferritin trends every 3-6 months. Max 28 mg/kg/day.
nonTransfusionDependentThalassemia: Initial 7 mg/kg once daily. Adjust in 3.5-7 mg/kg increments/decrements based on serum ferritin trends every 3-6 months. Max 14 mg/kg/day.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established for patients under 2 years of age for transfusional iron overload, or under 10 years of age for NTDT.
Child: Transfusional iron overload: â‰Ĩ2 years of age, initial 14 mg/kg once daily. NTDT: â‰Ĩ10 years of age, initial 7 mg/kg once daily. Dosing adjustments similar to adults.
Adolescent: Transfusional iron overload: â‰Ĩ2 years of age, initial 14 mg/kg once daily. NTDT: â‰Ĩ10 years of age, initial 7 mg/kg once daily. Dosing adjustments similar to adults.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: CrCl 60-90 mL/min: Monitor serum creatinine monthly. Consider dose reduction if creatinine increases significantly.
Moderate: CrCl 30-60 mL/min: Initial dose reduction by 7 mg/kg (e.g., from 14 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg). Monitor serum creatinine monthly. Avoid if CrCl <40 mL/min for NTDT patients.
Severe: CrCl <30 mL/min: Contraindicated.
Dialysis: Not recommended. Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment or rapidly worsening renal function.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Child-Pugh A: No initial dose adjustment required. Monitor liver function tests monthly.
Moderate: Child-Pugh B: Reduce initial dose by 7 mg/kg (e.g., from 14 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg). Monitor liver function tests monthly. Avoid if Child-Pugh B and high-risk.
Severe: Child-Pugh C: Contraindicated.
Confidence: High

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Deferasirox is an orally active chelator that is highly selective for iron. It forms a stable 2:1 chelate complex with iron, which is then excreted primarily via the feces. This chelation helps to remove excess iron from the body, reducing iron-mediated organ damage.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Jadenu tablets: Approximately 36% higher bioavailability compared to Exjade dispersible tablets. Absolute bioavailability is not precisely quantified but is considered good.
Tmax: 2-4 hours
FoodEffect: Taking Jadenu with a light meal increases AUC by 29% and Cmax by 15%. Taking with a high-fat meal increases AUC by 73% and Cmax by 48%. It is recommended to take with a light meal or on an empty stomach.

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 14 L
ProteinBinding: >99% (primarily to serum albumin)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: 8-16 hours
Clearance: Approximately 10.1 L/h (apparent oral clearance)
ExcretionRoute: Fecal (approximately 84%), Renal (approximately 8%)
Unchanged: Less than 1% (renal excretion)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Iron chelation begins shortly after administration, but clinical effects (e.g., reduction in serum ferritin) are observed over weeks to months.
PeakEffect: Peak iron excretion is not directly measured but is related to peak drug levels (2-4 hours post-dose).
DurationOfAction: Once daily dosing maintains therapeutic levels for continuous chelation.

Safety & Warnings

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BLACK BOX WARNING

Renal Toxicity: Deferasirox can cause acute renal failure and tubular nephropathy, sometimes requiring dialysis. Monitor serum creatinine monthly. Hepatic Toxicity: Deferasirox can cause hepatic failure, sometimes fatal. Monitor liver function tests monthly. Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage has been reported, especially in elderly patients with advanced hematologic malignancies and/or low platelet counts. Bone Marrow Suppression: Cytopenias, including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, have been reported.
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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of kidney problems: inability to urinate, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden weight gain.
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach upset or pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Signs of bowel problems: black, tarry, or bloody stools, fever, mucus in the stool, vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material, severe stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
Changes in hearing or vision.
Chest pain or pressure, rapid heartbeat, or fainting.
Flu-like symptoms.
Rashes, which may require discontinuation of the medication. If you develop a rash, contact your doctor promptly to determine the best course of action.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious conditions, which can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.
Bone marrow suppression, which can increase the risk of severe bleeding or infections. Contact your doctor right away if you experience signs of infection, such as fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or discolored sputum, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal; bruising or bleeding; or extreme fatigue or weakness.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that concern you or persist, contact your doctor:

* Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or vomiting.

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Signs of kidney problems: decreased urination, swelling in legs/feet, unusual tiredness.
  • Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.
  • Signs of stomach bleeding: black, tarry stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; severe stomach pain.
  • Signs of blood problems: unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent fever, frequent infections, extreme tiredness.
  • New or worsening hearing loss, ringing in ears (tinnitus).
  • New or worsening vision changes, blurred vision, difficulty seeing.
  • Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin.
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Cancer
+ Blood or bone marrow disorders, such as low platelet count or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
+ Kidney disease
+ Liver disease
Any instances of dehydration, which can be caused by:
+ Inability to eat or drink normally
+ Diarrhea
+ Vomiting
+ Other illnesses that may lead to dehydration
Use of another medication similar to this one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Concurrent use of any of the following medications:
+ Cholestyramine
+ Colesevelam
+ Colestipol
+ Phenobarbital
+ Phenytoin
+ Rifampicin
+ Ritonavir
+ Theophylline
+ Tizanidine
If you are breast-feeding. Note that you should not breast-feed while taking this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Until you understand how this drug affects you, avoid operating a vehicle or engaging in activities that require alertness.

Regularly undergo blood tests, other laboratory tests, eye exams, and hearing tests as instructed by your doctor to monitor your health. Do not take antacids containing aluminum while using this medication, as it may interfere with its effectiveness.

If you are 55 years or older, exercise caution when taking this drug, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Similarly, when administering this medication to a child, use it with caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in pediatric patients. If your child's weight changes while taking this medication, consult your doctor, as their dosage may need to be adjusted.

Be aware that birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives may be less effective while taking this medication. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, in conjunction with your regular birth control method.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with you.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Increased serum creatinine

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. In the US, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Aluminum-containing antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide) - due to potential for increased deferasirox exposure and aluminum toxicity.
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Major Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine) - may significantly decrease deferasirox exposure, reducing efficacy. Consider increasing deferasirox dose.
  • UGT inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital) - may significantly decrease deferasirox exposure, reducing efficacy. Consider increasing deferasirox dose.
  • Oral bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) - increased risk of serious gastrointestinal irritation/hemorrhage.
  • Vitamin C (high doses, >80 mg/day) - may increase iron toxicity, especially in patients with severe iron overload and cardiac dysfunction. Avoid concomitant use.
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Moderate Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) - may increase deferasirox exposure. Consider deferasirox dose reduction.
  • UGT inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, gemfibrozil) - may increase deferasirox exposure. Consider deferasirox dose reduction.
  • Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, clozapine, tizanidine) - deferasirox may increase their systemic exposure. Monitor and adjust dose of co-administered drug.
  • Oral contraceptives (estrogen/progestin) - deferasirox may decrease their efficacy. Advise alternative or additional birth control methods.
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Minor Interactions

  • Not specifically categorized as minor, but general caution with drugs affecting renal or hepatic function.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Serum Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance (CrCl)

Rationale: To assess baseline renal function and guide initial dosing, as deferasirox can cause renal impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Serum Bilirubin)

Rationale: To assess baseline hepatic function, as deferasirox can cause hepatic toxicity.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Serum Ferritin

Rationale: To establish baseline iron overload status and guide initial dosing.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Rationale: To assess baseline hematologic status, as deferasirox can cause cytopenias.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Audiometry and Ophthalmologic Examination

Rationale: To establish baseline hearing and vision, as deferasirox can cause hearing and vision disturbances.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

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Routine Monitoring

Serum Creatinine

Frequency: Monthly

Target: Within normal limits or stable baseline

Action Threshold: If creatinine increases by >33% above baseline on 2 consecutive measurements, or above the age-appropriate upper limit of normal, consider dose reduction or interruption. If rapidly progressive, discontinue.

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Serum Bilirubin)

Frequency: Monthly

Target: Within normal limits or stable baseline

Action Threshold: If ALT/AST increases to >5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or >3 times ULN with bilirubin >2 times ULN, interrupt therapy. If persistent, discontinue.

Serum Ferritin

Frequency: Monthly for first 6 months, then every 3-6 months

Target: Goal is typically <1000 mcg/L, but individualized based on patient response and iron burden.

Action Threshold: Adjust dose based on trends; increase if ferritin is rising, decrease if ferritin is falling below target or if iron burden is adequately reduced.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Frequency: Monthly

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: If unexplained cytopenias develop, interrupt therapy and investigate.

Audiometry and Ophthalmologic Examination

Frequency: Annually

Target: Stable hearing and vision

Action Threshold: If new or worsening hearing/vision disturbances occur, consider dose reduction or interruption.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of renal dysfunction (e.g., decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue)
  • Signs of hepatic dysfunction (e.g., jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)
  • Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., black/tarry stools, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain)
  • Signs of bone marrow suppression (e.g., fever, unusual bruising/bleeding, persistent fatigue)
  • New or worsening hearing loss or tinnitus
  • New or worsening vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, decreased acuity, visual field defects)
  • Severe skin rash or hypersensitivity reactions

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Deferasirox should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Based on animal studies, it may cause fetal harm. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for fetal harm based on animal data (skeletal malformations, renal anomalies).
Second Trimester: Potential for fetal harm based on animal data.
Third Trimester: Potential for fetal harm based on animal data.
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Lactation

It is not known whether deferasirox is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Infant Risk: L4 (Possibly Hazardous - evidence of risk to infant or milk production is present, but benefits of use in nursing mothers may be acceptable despite the risk).
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Pediatric Use

Approved for transfusional iron overload in patients â‰Ĩ2 years of age and for NTDT in patients â‰Ĩ10 years of age. Dosing is weight-based. Close monitoring of renal and hepatic function, and growth parameters is essential. Renal toxicity and growth retardation have been observed in pediatric patients.

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Geriatric Use

Use with caution in elderly patients (â‰Ĩ65 years of age) due to a higher incidence of adverse reactions, particularly gastrointestinal hemorrhage, renal impairment, and hepatic impairment. Initiate at a lower dose and monitor closely.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Jadenu film-coated tablets have higher bioavailability than Exjade dispersible tablets, so doses are not interchangeable mg-for-mg. Patients switching from Exjade to Jadenu should have their dose adjusted (e.g., 21 mg/kg Exjade ~ 14 mg/kg Jadenu).
  • Administer Jadenu with a light meal or on an empty stomach. Avoid high-fat meals as they significantly increase absorption.
  • Consistent daily administration time is important for maintaining steady drug levels.
  • Strict adherence to monitoring protocols (renal, hepatic, hematologic, ferritin, vision, hearing) is crucial due to the potential for serious adverse effects.
  • Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of serious adverse events, especially GI bleeding, and emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if they occur.
  • Consider dose reduction or interruption if serum creatinine increases significantly or if liver enzymes are persistently elevated.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Deferoxamine (Desferal) - parenteral iron chelator, often used for severe iron overload or when oral options are not tolerated/effective.
  • Deferiprone (Ferriprox) - oral iron chelator, approved for transfusional iron overload in specific patient populations, often used in combination with deferasirox or deferoxamine.
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely, typically several thousand USD per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Specialty Tier (requires prior authorization, often subject to high co-pays or co-insurance)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.