Deferasirox

Exjade is an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions in patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Exjade is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload in patients 10 years of age and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes, and with a liver iron (Fe) concentration (LIC) of at least 5 mg Fe per gram of dry weight and a serum ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L. ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of Exjade when administered with other iron chelation therapy have not been established. ( 1.3 )

1.1 Treatment of Chronic Iron Overload Due to Blood Transfusions (Transfusional Iron Overload) Exjade is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions (transfusional hemosiderosis) in patients 2 years of age and older.

1.2 Treatment of Chronic Iron Overload in Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Syndromes Exjade is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload in patients 10 years of age and older with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes and with a liver iron concentration (LIC) of at least 5 milligrams of iron per gram of liver dry weight (mg Fe/g dw) and a serum ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L.

1.3 Limitations of Use The safety and efficacy of Exjade when administered with other iron chelation therapy have not been established.

125 mg tablets Off-white, round, flat tablet with beveled edge and imprinted with “J” and “125” on one side and “NVR” on the other. 250 mg tablets Off-white, round, flat tablet with beveled edge and imprinted with “J” and “250” on one side and “NVR” on the other. 500 mg tablets Off-white, round, flat tablet with beveled edge and imprinted with “J” and “500” on one side and “NVR” on the other. Tablets for oral suspension: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg. ( 3 )

Exjade is contraindicated in patients with: Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] ; Poor performance status; [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)] High-risk myelodysplastic syndromes; (this patient population was not studied and is not expected to benefit from chelation therapy) Advanced malignancies. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)] Platelet counts less than 50 x 10 9 /L [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4) Known hypersensitivity to deferasirox or any component of Exjade [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Estimated GFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . ( 4 ) Patients with poor performance status. ( 4 ) Patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). ( 4 ) Patients with advanced malignancies. ( 4 ) Patients with platelet counts less than 50 x 10 9 /L. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to deferasirox or any component of Exjade. ( 4 )

Acute Kidney Injury: Measure serum creatinine in duplicate before starting therapy. Monitor renal function during Exjade therapy and reduce dose or interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 2.1 , 2.4 , 5.1 ) Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function. Reduce dose or interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 5.2 ) Fatal and Nonfatal Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Irritation: Risk may be greater in patients who are taking Exjade in combination with drugs that have known ulcerogenic or hemorrhagic potential. ( 5.3 ) Bone Marrow Suppression: Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, worsening anemia, and thrombocytopenia, including fatal events; monitor blood counts during Exjade therapy. Interrupt therapy for toxicity. ( 5.4 ) Age-related Risk of Toxicity: Monitor elderly and pediatric patients closely for toxicity. ( 5.5 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue Exjade for severe reactions and institute medical intervention. ( 5.7 ) Severe Skin Reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): Discontinue Exjade. ( 5.8 )

5.1 Acute Kidney Injury, Including Acute Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis, and Renal Tubular Toxicity Including Fanconi Syndrome Exjade is contraindicated in patients with eGFR less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Exercise caution in pediatric patients with eGFR between 40 and 60 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . If treatment is needed, use the minimum effective dose and monitor renal function frequently. Individualize dose titration based on improvement in renal injury [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] . For patients with renal impairment (eGFR 40–60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), reduce the starting dose by 50% [see Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.5), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] . Exjade can cause acute kidney injury including renal failure requiring dialysis that has resulted in fatal outcomes. Based on postmarketing experience, most fatalities have occurred in patients with multiple comorbidities and who were in advanced stages of their hematological disorders. In the clinical trials, adult and pediatric Exjade-treated patients with no preexisting renal disease experienced dose-dependent mild, non-progressive increases in serum creatinine and proteinuria. Preexisting renal disease and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic drugs may increase the risk of acute kidney injury in adult and pediatric patients. Acute illnesses associated with volume depletion and overchelation may increase the risk of acute kidney injury in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients, small decreases in eGFR can result in increases in Exjade exposure, particularly in younger patients with body surface area typical of patients less than age 7 years. This can lead to a cycle of worsening renal function and further increases in Exjade exposure, unless the dose is reduced or interrupted. Renal tubular toxicity, including acquired Fanconi syndrome, has been reported in patients treated with Exjade, most commonly in pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia and serum ferritin levels less than 1,500 mcg/L [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Evaluate renal glomerular and tubular function before initiating therapy or increasing the dose. Use prediction equations validated for use in adult and pediatric patients to estimate GFR. Obtain serum electrolytes and urinalysis in all patients to evaluate renal tubular function [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)] . Monitor all patients for changes in eGFR and for renal tubular toxicity weekly during the first month after initiation or modification of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Dose reduction or interruption may be considered if abnormalities occur in levels of markers of renal tubular function and/or as clinically indicated. Monitor serum ferritin monthly to evaluate for overchelation. Use the minimum dose to establish and maintain a low iron burden. Monitor renal function more frequently in patients with preexisting renal disease or decreased renal function. In pediatric patients, interrupt Exjade during acute illnesses, which can cause volume depletion, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or prolonged decreased oral intake, and monitor renal function more frequently. Promptly correct fluid deficits to prevent renal injury. Resume therapy as appropriate, based on assessments of renal function, when oral intake and volume status are normal [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .

5.2 Hepatic Toxicity and Failure Exjade can cause hepatic injury, fatal in some patients. In Study 1, 4 patients (1.3%) discontinued Exjade because of hepatic toxicity (drug-induced hepatitis in 2 patients and increased serum transaminases in 2 additional patients). Hepatic toxicity appears to be more common in patients greater than 55 years of age. Hepatic failure was more common in patients with significant comorbidities, including liver cirrhosis and multi-organ failure [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Acute liver injury and failure, including fatal outcomes, have occurred in pediatric Exjade-treated patients. Liver failure occurred in association with acute kidney injury in pediatric patients at risk for overchelation during a volume depleting event. Interrupt Exjade therapy when acute liver injury or acute kidney injury is suspected and during volume depletion. Monitor liver and renal function more frequently in pediatric patients who are receiving Exjade in the 20-40 mg/kg/day range and when iron burden is approaching normal. Use the minimum effective dose to achieve and maintain a low iron burden [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Measure transaminases [aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)] and bilirubin in all patients before the initiation of treatment, and every 2 weeks during the first month and at least monthly thereafter. Consider dose modifications or interruption of treatment for severe or persistent elevations. Avoid the use of Exjade in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. Reduce the starting dose in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.7)] . Patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment may be at higher risk for hepatic toxicity.

5.3 Gastrointestinal (GI) Ulceration, Hemorrhage, and Perforation GI hemorrhage, including deaths, has been reported in Exjade-treated patients, especially in elderly patients who had advanced hematologic malignancies and/or low platelet counts. Nonfatal upper GI irritation, ulceration and hemorrhage have been reported in patients, including children and adolescents, receiving Exjade [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Monitor for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and hemorrhage during Exjade therapy and promptly initiate additional evaluation and treatment if a serious GI adverse reaction is suspected. The risk of GI hemorrhage may be increased when administering Exjade in combination with drugs that have ulcerogenic or hemorrhagic potential, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, oral bisphosphonates, or anticoagulants. There have been reports of ulcers complicated with GI perforation (including fatal outcome) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] .

5.4 Bone Marrow Suppression Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, worsening anemia, and thrombocytopenia, including fatal events, have been reported in patients treated with Exjade. Preexisting hematologic disorders may increase this risk. Monitor blood counts in all patients. Interrupt treatment with Exjade in patients who develop cytopenias until the cause of the cytopenia has been determined. […]

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Acute Kidney Injury, Including Acute Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis, and Renal Tubular Toxicity Including Fanconi Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.6)] Hepatic Toxicity and Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.6)] GI Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Bone Marrow Suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Severe Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Skin Rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Auditory and Ocular Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] In patients with transfusional iron overload, the most frequently occurring (greater than 5%) adverse reactions are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and increases in serum creatinine. In Exjade-treated patients with NTDT syndromes, the most frequently occurring (greater than 5%) adverse reactions are diarrhea, rash, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Transfusional Iron Overload A total of 700 adult and pediatric patients were treated with Exjade (deferasirox) for 48 weeks in premarketing studies. These included 469 patients with beta-thalassemia, 99 with rare anemias, and 132 with sickle cell disease. Of these patients, 45% were male, 70% were Caucasian, and 292 patients were less than 16 years of age. In the sickle cell disease population, 89% of patients were black. Median treatment duration among the sickle cell patients was 51 weeks. Of the 700 patients treated, 469 (403 beta-thalassemia and 66 rare anemias) were entered into extensions of the original clinical protocols. In ongoing extension studies, median durations of treatment were 88-205 weeks. Six hundred twenty-seven (627) patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were enrolled across 5 uncontrolled trials. These studies varied in duration from 1 to 5 years. The discontinuation rate across studies in the first year was 46% (adverse events 20%, withdrawal of consent 10%, death 8%, other 4%, lab abnormalities 3%, and lack of efficacy 1%). Among 47 patients enrolled in the study of 5-year duration, 10 remained on Exjade at the completion of the study. Table 1 displays adverse reactions occurring in greater than 5% of Exjade-treated beta-thalassemia patients (Study 1), sickle cell disease patients (Study 3), and patients with MDS (MDS pool). Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and increases in serum creatinine were the most frequent adverse reactions reported with a suspected relationship to Exjade. Gastrointestinal symptoms, increases in serum creatinine, and skin rash were dose related. Table 1. Adverse Reactions a Occurring in Greater Than 5% of Exjade-treated Patients in Study 1, Study 3, and MDS Pool Abbreviation: MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome. a Adverse reaction frequencies are based on adverse events reported regardless of relationship to study drug. b Includes ‘abdominal pain’, ‘abdominal pain lower’, and ‘abdominal pain upper’. c Includes ‘blood creatinine increased’ and ‘blood creatinine abnormal’. See also Table 2. Study 1 (Beta-thalassemia) Study 3 (Sickle Cell Disease) MDS Pool Adverse Reactions Exjade N = 296 n (%) Deferoxamine N = 290 n (%) Exjade N = 132 n (%) Deferoxamine N = 63 n (%) Exjade N = 627 n (%) Abdominal Pain b 63 (21) 41 (14) 37 (28) 9 (14) 145 (23) Diarrhea 35 (12) 21 (7) 26 (20) 3 (5) 297 (47) Creatinine Increased c 33 (11) 0 (0) 9 (7) 0 89 (14) Nausea 31 (11) 14 (5) 30 (23) 7 (11) 161 (26) Vomiting 30 (10) 28 (10) 28 (21) 10 (16) 83 (13) Rash 25 (8) 9 (3) 14 (11) 3 (5) 83 (13) In Study 1, a total of 113 (38%) patients treated with Exjade had increases in serum creatinine greater than 33% above baseline on 2 separate occasions (Table 2) and 25 (8%) patients required dose reductions. Increases in serum creatinine appeared to be dose related [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. In this study, 17 (6%) patients treated with Exjade developed elevations in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)/ALT levels greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) at 2 consecutive visits. Of these, 2 patients had liver biopsy proven drug-induced hepatitis and both discontinued Exjade therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . An additional 2 patients, who did not have elevations in SGPT/ALT greater than 5 times the ULN, discontinued Exjade because of increased SGPT/ALT. Increases in transaminases did not appear to be dose related. Adverse reactions that led to discontinuations included abnormal liver function tests (2 patients) and drug-induced hepatitis (2 patients), skin rash, glycosuria/proteinuria, Henoch Schönlein purpura, hyperactivity/insomnia, drug fever, and cataract (1 patient each). In Study 3, a total of 48 (36%) patients treated with Exjade had increases in serum creatinine greater than 33% above baseline on 2 separate occasions (Table 2) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )]. Of the patients who experienced creatinine increases in Study 3, 8 Exjade-treated patients required dose reductions. In this study, 5 patients in the Exjade group developed elevations in SGPT/ALT levels greater than 5 times the ULN at 2 consecutive visits and 1 patient subsequently had Exjade permanently discontinued. Four additional patients discontinued Exjade due to adverse reactions with a suspected relationship to study drug, including diarrhea, pancreatitis associated with gallstones, atypical tuberculosis, and skin rash. In the MDS pool, in the first year, a total of 229 (37%) patients treated with Exjade had increases in serum creatinine greater than 33% above baseline on 2 consecutive occasions (Table 2) and 8 (3.5%) patients permanently discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . A total of 5 (0.8%) patients developed SGPT/ALT levels greater than 5 times the ULN at 2 consecutive visits. The most frequent adverse reactions that led to discontinuation included increases in serum creatinine, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and vomiting. Death was reported in the first year in 52 (8%) of patients [see Clinical Studies (14)] . Table 2. Number (%) of Patients with Increases in Serum Creatinine or SGPT/ALT in Study 1, Study 3, and MDS Pool Abbreviations: ALT, alanine transaminase; MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome; SGPT, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; ULN, upper limit of normal. Study 1 (Beta-thalassemia) Study 3 (Sickle Cell Disease) MDS Pool Laboratory Parameter Exjade N = 296 n (%) Deferoxamine N = 290 n (%) Exjade N = 132 n (%) Deferoxamine N = 63 n (%) Exjade N = 627 n (%) Serum Creatinine Creatinine increase > 33% at 2 consecutive post-baseline visits 113 (38) 41 (14) 48 (36) 14 (22) 229 (37) Creatinine increase > 33% and > ULN at 2 consecutive post-baseline visits 7 (2) 1 (0) 3 (2) 2 (3) 126 (20) SGPT/ALT SGPT/ALT > 5 x ULN at 2 post-baseline visits 25 (8) 7 (2) 2 (2) 0 9 (1) SGPT/ALT > 5 x ULN at 2 consecutive post-baseline visits 17 (6) 5 (2) 5 (4) 0 5 (1) Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Syndromes In Study 5, 110 patients with NTDT received 1 year of treatment with Exjade 5 or 10 mg/kg/day and 56 patients received placebo in a double-blind, randomized trial. In Study 6, 130 of the patients who completed Study 5 were treated with open-label Exjade at 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day (depending on the baseline LIC) for 1 year [see Clinical Studies (14)] . […]

Do not take Exjade with aluminum-containing antacid preparations. ( 7.1 ) Exjade increases the exposure of the CYP2C8 substrate repaglinide. Consider repaglinide dose reduction and monitor blood glucose levels. ( 7.3 ) Avoid the use of Exjade with CYP1A2 substrate theophylline. ( 7.4 ) Deferasirox increases exposure of busulfan. Monitor plasma concentrations of busulfan when coadministered with deferasirox to allow dose adjustment of busulfan as needed. ( 7.7 )

7.1 Aluminum-Containing Antacid Preparations The concomitant administration of Exjade and aluminum-containing antacid preparations has not been formally studied. Although deferasirox has a lower affinity for aluminum than for iron, do not take Exjade with aluminum-containing antacid preparations due to the mechanism of action of Exjade.

7.2 Agents Metabolized by CYP3A4 Deferasirox may induce CYP3A4 resulting in a decrease in CYP3A4 substrate concentration when these drugs are coadministered. Closely monitor patients for signs of reduced effectiveness when deferasirox is administered with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., alfentanil, aprepitant, budesonide, buspirone, conivaptan, cyclosporine, darifenacin, darunavir, dasatinib, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, eletriptan, eplerenone, ergotamine, everolimus, felodipine, fentanyl, hormonal contraceptive agents, indinavir, fluticasone, lopinavir, lovastatin, lurasidone, maraviroc, midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, quetiapine, quinidine, saquinavir, sildenafil, simvastatin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tolvaptan, tipranavir, triazolam, ticagrelor, and vardenafil) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

7.3 Agents Metabolized by CYP2C8 Deferasirox inhibits CYP2C8 resulting in an increase in CYP2C8 substrate (e.g., repaglinide and paclitaxel) concentration when these drugs are coadministered. If Exjade and repaglinide are used concomitantly, consider decreasing the dose of repaglinide and perform careful monitoring of blood glucose levels. Closely monitor patients for signs of exposure related toxicity when Exjade is coadministered with other CYP2C8 substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.4 Agents Metabolized by CYP1A2 Deferasirox inhibits CYP1A2 resulting in an increase in CYP1A2 substrate (e.g., alosetron, caffeine, duloxetine, melatonin, ramelteon, tacrine, theophylline, tizanidine) concentration when these drugs are coadministered. An increase in theophylline plasma concentrations could lead to clinically significant theophylline-induced CNS or other adverse reactions. Avoid the concomitant use of theophylline or other CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., tizanidine) with Exjade. Monitor theophylline concentrations and consider theophylline dose modification if you must coadminister theophylline with Exjade. Closely monitor patients for signs of exposure related toxicity when Exjade is coadministered with other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.5 Agents Inducing UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Metabolism Deferasirox is a substrate of UGT1A1 and to a lesser extent UGT1A3. The concomitant use of Exjade with potent UGT inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, ritonavir) may result in a decrease in Exjade efficacy due to a possible decrease in deferasirox concentration. Avoid the concomitant use of potent UGT inducers with Exjade. Consider increasing the initial dose of Exjade if you must coadminister these agents together [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

7.6 Bile Acid Sequestrants Avoid the concomitant use of bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol) with Exjade due to a possible decrease in deferasirox concentration. If you must coadminister these agents together, consider increasing the initial dose of Exjade [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

7.7 Busulfan Increased exposure of busulfan was observed with concomitant use with deferasirox. Monitor plasma concentrations of busulfan when coadministered with deferasirox to allow dose adjustment of busulfan as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no studies with the use of Exjade in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Administration of deferasirox to rats during pregnancy resulted in decreased offspring viability and an increase in renal anomalies in male offspring at doses that were about or less than the recommended human dose on an mg/m 2 basis. No fetal effects were noted in pregnant rabbits at doses equivalent to the human recommended dose on an mg/m 2 basis. Exjade should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal developmental studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received oral deferasirox during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day in rats and 50 mg/kg/day in rabbits (1.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on an mg/m 2 basis). These doses resulted in maternal toxicity but no fetal harm was observed. In a prenatal and postnatal developmental study, pregnant rats received oral deferasirox daily from organogenesis through lactation day 20 at doses of 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg/day (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 times the MRHD on an mg/m 2 basis). Maternal toxicity, loss of litters, and decreased offspring viability occurred at 90 mg/kg/day (1.0 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis) and increases in renal anomalies in male offspring occurred at 30 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis).

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of Exjade or its metabolites in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed child, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Deferasirox and its metabolites were excreted in rat milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfeeding child from deferasirox and its metabolites, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Counsel patients to use non-hormonal method(s) of contraception since Exjade can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective [see Drug Interactions (7.2)] .

8.4 Pediatric Use Transfusional Iron Overload The safety and effectiveness of Exjade have been established in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older for the treatment of transfusional iron overload [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age for the treatment of transfusional iron overload. Pediatric approval for treatment of transfusional iron overload was based on clinical studies of 292 pediatric patients 2 years to less than 16 years of age with various congenital and acquired anemias. Seventy percent of these patients had beta-thalassemia [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2.1), Clinical Studies (14)] . In those clinical studies, 173 children (ages 2 to < 12 years) and 119 adolescents (ages 12 to < 17 years) were exposed to deferasirox. A trial conducted in treatment-naïve pediatric patients, 2 to < 18 years of age with transfusional iron overload (NCT02435212) did not provide additional relevant information about the safety or effectiveness of the deferasirox granules dosage form (Jadenu Sprinkle) compared to the deferasirox oral tablets for suspension dosage form (Exjade). Iron Overload in Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Syndromes The safety and effectiveness of Exjade have been established in patients 10 years of age and older for the treatment of chronic iron overload with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . Safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients less than 10 years of age with chronic iron overload in NTDT syndromes. Pediatric approval for treatment of NTDT syndromes with liver iron (Fe) concentration (LIC) of at least 5 mg Fe per gram of dry weight and a serum ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L was based on 16 pediatric patients treated with Exjade therapy (10 years to less than 16 years of age) with chronic iron overload and NTDT. Use of Exjade in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Exjade in adult and pediatric patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2), Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Studies (14)] . In general, risk factors for deferasirox-associated kidney injury include preexisting renal disease, volume depletion, overchelation, and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic drugs. Acute kidney injury, and acute liver injury and failure has occurred in pediatric patients. In a pooled safety analysis, pediatric patients with higher Exjade exposures had a greater probability of renal toxicity and decreased renal function, resulting in increased deferasirox exposure and progressive renal toxicity/kidney injury. Higher rates of renal adverse reactions have been identified among pediatric patients receiving Exjade doses greater than 25 mg/kg/day when their serum ferritin values were less than 1,000 mcg/L [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)] . Monitoring Recommendations for pediatric patients with Transfusional Iron Overload and NTDT It is recommended that serum ferritin be monitored every month to assess the patient’s response to therapy and to minimize the risk of overchelation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] . Monitor renal function by estimating GFR using an eGFR prediction equation appropriate for pediatric patients and evaluate renal tubular function. Monitor renal function more frequently in pediatric patients in the presence of renal toxicity risk factors, including episodes of dehydration, fever and acute illness that may result in volume depletion or decreased renal perfusion. Use the minimum effective dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Interrupt Exjade in pediatric patients with transfusional iron overload and consider dose interruption in pediatric patients with non-transfusion-dependent iron overload, for acute illnesses, which can cause volume depletion, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or prolonged decreased oral intake, and monitor more frequently. Resume therapy as appropriate, based on assessments of renal function, when oral intake and volume status are normal. Evaluate the risk benefit profile of continued Exjade use in the setting of decreased renal function. Avoid use of other nephrotoxic drugs [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Renal toxicity was observed in adult mice, rats, and marmoset monkeys administered deferasirox at therapeutic doses. In a neonatal and juvenile toxicity study in rats, deferasirox was administered orally from postpartum Day 7 through 70, which equates to a human age range of term neonate through adolescence. Increased renal toxicity was identified in juvenile rats compared to adult rats at a dose based on mg/m 2 approximately 0.4 times the recommended dose of 20 mg/kg/day. A higher frequency of renal abnormalities was noted when deferasirox was administered to non-iron overloaded animals compared to iron overloaded animals.

8.5 Geriatric Use Four hundred thirty-one (431) patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age were studied in clinical trials of Exjade in the transfusional iron overload setting. […]

Exjade (deferasirox) is an orally active chelator that is selective for iron (as Fe 3+ ). It is a tridentate ligand that binds iron with high affinity in a 2:1 ratio. Although deferasirox has very low affinity for zinc and copper there are variable decreases in the serum concentration of these trace metals after the administration of deferasirox. The clinical significance of these decreases is uncertain.