Drug interactions
Deferasirox + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Deferasirox and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital induces UGT enzymes that glucuronidate deferasirox, lowering its exposure and iron-chelating effect. This can lead to inadequate control of iron overload.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deferasirox and Phenobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Induction of UGT1A1 and related glucuronidation enzymes increases deferasirox clearance.
What to do
Monitor serum ferritin and clinical response, and consider a higher deferasirox dose per labeling; reassess the dose if the inducer is stopped.
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?
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Other interactions of Deferasirox
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deferasirox with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Deferasirox and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital induces UGT enzymes that glucuronidate deferasirox, lowering its exposure and iron-chelating effect. This can lead to inadequate control of iron overload.
How serious is the interaction between Deferasirox and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum ferritin and clinical response, and consider a higher deferasirox dose per labeling; reassess the dose if the inducer is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Deferasirox?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Deferasirox with, for example, Acetylsalicylic acid, Alosetron, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Deferasirox page.
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