How do you take Deferasirox?

The usual starting dose for adults is 14 mg per kilogram of body weight taken once daily. For the film-coated tablets like Oleptiss, swallow whole with water — you can take them on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on blood tests that check your iron levels. Do not chew or crush the tablets.

What are the side effects of Deferasirox?

Stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhea or loose stool, nausea or feeling like vomiting, skin rash, and headache

Who should not take Deferasirox?

People allergic to deferasirox, those with severe kidney or liver disease, people with very low blood cell counts (low platelet count), and children under 2 years old should not take this medicine.

Prescription

Iron chelator (iron remover)

Deferasirox

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Deferasirox is a medicine that removes excess iron from your body — it works by grabbing onto extra iron in your blood and helping your body flush it out through your stool.

What is it used for?

Excess iron in the body (iron overload) caused by repeated blood transfusionssuch as in sickle cell disease or thalassemia patients who receive regular blood transfusions

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Anaemia Sickle Cell Disease

How it works

Binds to free iron (ferric iron, Fe³⁺) in the bloodstream and tissues, forming a stable complex that is excreted through urine and feces, thereby reducing iron accumulation in vital organs. Inhibits iron-dependent oxidative damage by preventing free iron from catalyzing the generation of harmful free radicals via the Fenton reaction.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only use this medicine under a doctor's supervision — do not buy or use it on your own, especially from roadside sellers, as wrong dosing can be dangerous. Your doctor must do regular blood tests to check your kidney, liver, and iron levels while you are on this drug. Sickle cell patients on regular transfusions should discuss iron overload management with their specialist before starting.

Common Side Effects

Stomach pain or discomfort
diarrhea or loose stool
nausea or feeling like vomiting
skin rash
and headache

Serious Side Effects

Signs of kidney problems such as passing very little urine or swelling in your legs — go to the hospital immediately. Signs of liver problems like yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice)
dark urine
or severe stomach pain — stop the drug and see your doctor urgently. Stomach or intestinal bleeding shown by black or bloody stool.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking aluminium-containing antacids (like some ulcer medicines) at the same time as deferasirox — space them apart. Be careful combining with painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac as they can increase kidney damage risk. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen liver problems.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Deferasirox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to deferasirox
those with severe kidney or liver disease
people with very low blood cell counts (low platelet count)
and children under 2 years old should not take this medicine.

How to Store

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity — important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and far away from children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.