Uses of Dercifera 250

Dercifera is a brand name of the active ingredient Deferasirox that is only used when prescribed by a doctor. The drug is a product of Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 1 - Pharbaco and is prepared in the form of dispersible tablets (box of 3 blisters x 10 tablets).
Each Dercifera tablet contains 250mg of Deferasirox and some other excipients just enough including lactose 200 mesh, avicel PH102, sodium lauryl sulfate, kollidon CL-F, povidon K30, strawberry flavor powder, aspartame, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and talc.

The drug is used with the main purpose of treating chronic iron overload in patients with some of the following conditions:
Beta thalassemia major due to: Frequent blood transfusions (≥ 7ml erythrocyte sedimentation rate/kg) body weight/month), 6 years of age or older or 2-5 years of age, with a contraindication to deferoxamine or inadequate deferoxamine treatment. Infrequent blood transfusions (< 7 ml erythrocyte sedimentation rate/kg body weight/month), 2 years of age or older, contraindication to deforoxamine or inadequate deferoxamine treatment. Other anemias, 2 years of age or older, for which deforoxamine is contraindicated or inadequate deferoxamine therapy. Thalassemia syndrome is not transfusion dependent and has at least 5 mg iron/g dry weight of liver and serum ferritin > 300 μg/l (aged 10 years and older).

Take 1 time per day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, preferably at the same time each day. Stir to disperse the tablet in about 100-200ml of water, apple juice or orange juice until a smooth suspension is obtained. After drinking the suspension, any residue should be reconstituted into a suspension with a little water or juice and consumed. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole. Nor should the tablet be dispersed in carbonated water or milk.
Dosage is indicated based on the user as follows:
Adults with excessive iron:
Initial dose: 20mg/kg body weight, once daily. Maintenance dose: 20-40mg/kg body weight/day. Maximum dose: 40mg/kg body weight/day. Usual Adult Dose for Thalassemia Anemia: Initial dose 10 mg/kg body weight, once daily. Children with excessive iron overload (ages 2 years and older):
Initial dose: 20mg/kg body weight, once daily. Maintenance dose: 20-40mg/kg body weight/day. Maximum dose: 40mg/kg body weight/day. Usual Pediatric Dose for Thalassemia Anemia: Initial dose 10 mg/kg body weight, once daily. Calculate the dose (mg/kg body weight/day) closest to the dose of the intact tablet. Children under 2 years old: You should talk to a specialist to get the most appropriate treatment and direction.
For pregnant women and lactating women: The drug can be transported across the placenta and excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine whether the drug should be taken or not.
Before prescribing Dercifera 250, tell your doctor if you have one of the following contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to Deferasirox or to any of its ingredients. High-risk myelodysplasia syndrome. Malignant disease is not expected to benefit from chelation therapy. ClCr < 40 ml/min or SCr > 2 times the upper limit of normal. Poor physical condition. The malignancy is advanced. Platelet count < 50,000/mm3. Galactose intolerance. Severe lactose deficiency. Malabsorption of glucose - galactose. Are taking other iron-chelating agents. Caution should be exercised when co-administering the drug with other drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C8 and CYP1A2.
In patients with liver failure, kidney failure, elderly need to adjust the dose according to the instructions of the specialist. Absolutely do not increase or decrease the dose arbitrarily without permission.
Furthermore, it should be avoided in patients with severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment or previous hypersensitivity reactions when taking Deferasirox.
Can be used for people who do jobs that involve driving or operating machinery.
If you miss a dose during the course of taking the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, usually 1-2 hours after the time ordered by the doctor. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the prescribed time. Do not take twice the recommended dose. However, the drug should be taken at the same time every day to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Do not tear the package of the medicine, store it at a temperature below 30oC and in a dry place, protected from light. If the medicine shows any signs of damage or changes color, watery, squishy, ​​the medicine should be discarded and used with another medicine box.

4.1. Drug Interactions Some products can interact with each other, so before being prescribed, make a list of the drugs and supplements you are taking and consult with your doctor.
Drugs that can cause interactions such as:
Strong inducers of UDP - glucuronosyltransferase such as: Rifampicin, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. Midazolam. Antacids containing aluminum. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroids. Bisphosphonates. Anticoagulants. Drugs metabolized via CYP3A4 such as: Cyclosporin, Simvastatin, Hormonal contraceptives. Repaglinide. CYP2C8-metabolized agents such as paclitaxel. Theophylline. Agent metabolized by CYP1A2. The drug should not be used with foods such as alcohol, beer, tobacco, ... because in those foods and drinks containing other substances, it can affect the phenomenon of antagonism or synergism with the drug. medicine.
4.2. Side effects Some of the possible side effects of Dercifera 250 are:
Headache. Diarrhea/Constipation. Nausea, vomiting. Stomachache. Stomach upset/Indigestion. Increase liver enzymes. Rash/Itching. Increased blood creatinine. Proteinuria. Renal tubular disease in pediatric and adolescent patients with beta-thalassemia and serum ferritin < 1500 μg/l. Severe acute pancreatitis in a patient with or without prior biliary tract disease. Proteinuria, blood counts, and hearing and vision tests should be monitored prior to treatment and every 12 months thereafter.
When a drug allergy occurs, it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital immediately for treatment according to the anaphylactic shock treatment protocol issued by the Ministry of Health.