Drug Interaction Report

Talk to your doctor before using deferasirox together with cholestyramine. Combining these medications may reduce the blood levels and effects of deferasirox. You may not be able to take cholestyramine while you are receiving treatment with deferasirox, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both 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.

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.

Cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Therefore, it is recommended that you take multivitamin with minerals at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine to minimize the risk of interaction. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take these or other medications you are prescribed. 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.