Deferiprone (By mouth)
de-FER-i-prone
Treats iron toxicity (too much iron in the blood). This medicine is an iron chelator (binder).
Drug classes
Heavy Metal Chelator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Deferiprone is used to remove excess iron from the body in thalassemia patients who have blood transfusions.
Deferiprone combines with iron in the blood. The combination of iron and deferiprone is then removed from the body by the kidneys. If you have too much iron in the body, it can damage various organs and tissues.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take the first dose of this medicine in the morning, the second dose at midday, and the third dose in the evening with meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how deferiprone works. Tell your doctor if you are using diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle).
Do not take anything that contains aluminum, iron, or zinc within 4 hours before or after you take deferiprone. This includes antacids, multivitamins, and supplements.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to deferiprone, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection.
This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
This medicine may cause your urine to turn red or brownish. This is normal.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Red or brown urine
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ferriprox
There may be other brand names for this medicine.