Drug Interactions between caffeine / ergotamine and deferasirox

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as ergotamine. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with ergotamine. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

You may experience reduced absorption of deferasirox in the presence of food. Take deferasirox on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating preferably at the same time everyday unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. The tablets should not be chewed or swallowed whole. The tablets should first be completely dispersed in water, orange juice, or apple juice, and the resulting suspension drunk immediately. After swallowing the suspension any residue should be resuspended in a small volume of the liquid and swallowed.

Nicotine may increase the effects of ergotamine in narrowing the blood vessels and decreasing blood flow. A severe decrease in blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body can lead to dangerous side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience coldness, paleness, discoloration, numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet; muscle pain or weakness; severe or worsening headache; blurred vision; severe abdominal pain; chest pain; or shortness of breath while using these medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.