Exjade and Jadenu Dosage Calculator
Ref:
https://www.novartis.com/sg-en/sites/novartis_sg/files/Jadenu-Jul2019.SINv1-app170322-pdf.pdf
https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/exjade.pdf
*This Exjade and Jadenu Dosage Calculator is only for reference. Please make sure you speak to your doctor before starting or changing your dosage and iron chelation program.
You can also check your Desferal dosage using this calculator.
Required Blood Tests and Monitoring for Jadenu & Exjade
Test | Reason for Monitoring | Frequency |
---|---|---|
Serum Ferritin | To assess iron overload and ensure proper chelation dose adjustment | Monthly |
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin, ALP, etc.) | To monitor for liver toxicity, which may occur with deferasirox therapy | Baseline and at least every 2 months |
Serum Creatinine & eGFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) | To monitor kidney function and detect renal impairment | Baseline, then at least monthly (weekly in high-risk patients) |
Creatinine Clearance (in adults) | To assess kidney function, especially in patients at risk of renal toxicity | Baseline, then at least monthly |
Urine Protein & Urinalysis | To detect proteinuria, which may indicate kidney damage | Baseline, then monthly |
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential & Platelets | To monitor for cytopenias (e.g., anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), which can be a side effect of deferasirox | Baseline, then monthly |
Serum Electrolytes (Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, etc.) | To monitor for electrolyte imbalances that may occur due to kidney dysfunction | Baseline, then periodically |
Hearing Tests (Audiometry) | To check for potential auditory toxicity (hearing loss), which has been reported with long-term therapy | Baseline, then annually or if symptoms arise |
Ophthalmologic Examination (Eye Exam) | To monitor for ocular toxicity, including lens opacities (cataracts) or retinal changes | Baseline, then annually or if symptoms arise |
Did you know there are natural iron chelators that you can add to your diet to improve your iron chelation?Check out this article on the 4 Great Natural Iron Chelators
Additional Considerations
- Overchelation Risk: If serum ferritin falls below 500 mcg/L, treatment should be interrupted to prevent excessive iron removal.
- High-Risk Patients (elderly, pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment, concomitant medications affecting kidney/liver function) should undergo more frequent monitoring.
- Dose Adjustments:
- Increase or decrease deferasirox doses in 5-10 mg/kg increments based on ferritin trends and patient response.
- If serum ferritin falls below 1000 mcg/L at two consecutive visits, consider dose reduction.
What You Should Do
- Go for your regular check-ups
- Report any hearing, vision, or unusual symptoms to your doctor
- Follow your doctor’s advice on diet & vitamin supplements (read this article I’ve written on vitamins and supplements for thalassemia major)