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Drug interactions

Deferasirox + Iron

Severity: Moderate

Deferasirox and Iron: moderate interaction.

Last updated

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 binds iron, so taking it together with oral iron supplements defeats the purpose of both agents. Iron absorption is reduced and the chelator is partly used up.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deferasirox and Iron can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Deferasirox belongs to Miscellaneous; Iron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Deferasirox chelates iron in the gut, forming complexes that are not absorbed.

What to do

Avoid giving oral iron supplements to patients being treated for iron overload with deferasirox unless iron deficiency is clearly documented. If both are needed, monitor ferritin and hemoglobin closely.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Deferasirox with Iron?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Deferasirox and Iron can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Deferasirox binds iron, so taking it together with oral iron supplements defeats the purpose of both agents. Iron absorption is reduced and the chelator is partly used up.

How serious is the interaction between Deferasirox and Iron?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving oral iron supplements to patients being treated for iron overload with deferasirox unless iron deficiency is clearly documented. If both are needed, monitor ferritin and hemoglobin closely.

What other medicines interact with Iron?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Iron with, for example, Acetohydroxamic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Baloxavir marboxil. The full list is on the Iron page.

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