Deferasirox and Duloxetine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Duloxetine
No brand names on recordDeferasirox
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased duloxetine exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
Coadministration of deferasirox, a CYP1A2 inhibitor1, with drugs that are metabolized by CYP1A2, such as duloxetine, may lead to increased plasma concentrations of duloxetine 2. Concomitant administration of deferasirox with a single dose of theophylline, a CYP1A2 substrate, resulted in an approximate doubling of the theophylline AUC and elimination half-life in healthy volunteers 1. Additionally, concomitant use of fluvoxamine, a CYP1A2 inhibitor, and duloxetine resulted in a 6-fold and 2.5-fold increase in duloxetine AUC and Cmax, respectively, during a drug interaction study. Avoid coadministration of deferasirox and other potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, as similar increases in plasma concentration may be expected 2.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated duloxetine metabolism by deferasirox
Common questions
Can I take Deferasirox and Duloxetine together?
Increased duloxetine exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Deferasirox and Duloxetine interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Deferasirox or Duloxetine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Product Information: EXJADE(R) oral suspension tablets, deferasirox oral suspension tablets. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2012. DailyMed
- Product Information: Cymbalta(R) oral delayed-release capsules, duloxetine HCl oral delayed-release capsules. Eli Lilly and Company (per FDA), Indianapolis, IN, 2012. DailyMed
Keep reading about Duloxetine
Keep reading about Deferasirox
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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