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Drug interactions

Acetylsalicylic acid + Deferasirox

Severity: Major

Acetylsalicylic acid and Deferasirox: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: UK SmPC

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Deferasirox itself can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration and hemorrhage, and aspirin adds to this risk. Fatal GI bleeds have been reported with deferasirox, especially in older patients with advanced disease or low platelet counts.

What this interaction means in plain words

Acetylsalicylic acid and Deferasirox can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Deferasirox belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive gastric mucosal injury and aspirin's antiplatelet effect increase the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, add gastroprotection and monitor closely for GI bleeding symptoms and hemoglobin. Also monitor renal function as deferasirox is nephrotoxic.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Deferasirox?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Acetylsalicylic acid and Deferasirox can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Deferasirox itself can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration and hemorrhage, and aspirin adds to this risk. Fatal GI bleeds have been reported with deferasirox, especially in older patients with advanced disease or low platelet counts.

How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Deferasirox?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, add gastroprotection and monitor closely for GI bleeding symptoms and hemoglobin. Also monitor renal function as deferasirox is nephrotoxic.

What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.

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