Drug interactions
Deferasirox + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Major
Deferasirox and Mefenamic acid: major 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
Both drugs can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and deferasirox is associated with GI hemorrhage and ulceration. Concurrent use with an NSAID raises the risk of serious GI bleeding and may also add to renal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deferasirox and Mefenamic acid 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive gastrointestinal mucosal toxicity and bleeding tendency, with possible additive nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in older patients or those with low platelets or renal impairment. If unavoidable, use gastroprotection and monitor renal function and for GI bleeding.
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?
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Other interactions of Mefenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Mefenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Mefenamic acid Major
Other interactions of Deferasirox
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deferasirox with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferasirox and Mefenamic acid 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. Both drugs can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and deferasirox is associated with GI hemorrhage and ulceration. Concurrent use with an NSAID raises the risk of serious GI bleeding and may also add to renal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Deferasirox and Mefenamic acid?
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, particularly in older patients or those with low platelets or renal impairment. If unavoidable, use gastroprotection and monitor renal function and for GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mefenamic acid page.
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