Latebreakers: Warnings added for Exjade

Changes have been made to the prescribing information for deferasirox (Exjade, Novartis) following postmarketing reports of acute renal failure and cytopenias, including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Fatalities were reported in both groups; however, most occurred in patients with comorbidities and preexisting disorders. According to Novartis, the relationship of these adverse reactions and deaths to deferasirox therapy is uncertain. Deferasirox is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions (transfusional hemosiderosis) in patients two years of age and older.