Drug Interactions between Exjade and pimozide

You should avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking pimozide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of pimozide in your body. This can affect the rhythm of your heart and cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of blurred vision or nausea. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with pimozide. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with pimozide. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of pimozide such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

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.