What is Deferiprone?
Deferiprone removes iron from the bloodstream by binding to it. The treatment of iron overload by blood transfusions is done in patients with hereditary disorders that affect the red blood cells (thalassemia syndrome). Deferiprone can also be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Deferiprone
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Deferience can cause serious and even fatal infections. If you notice any signs of an infection, such as the following:
- Fever, chills, and body aches
- Flu symptoms
- Skin sores;
- Sores on your tongue and in the throat
You may need to delay taking further doses until the infection has cleared up. Your urine may turn reddish brown when you take Deferiprone. This is not a harmful side effect. If you have any of the following symptoms: upper abdominal pain, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing on your skin and whites of your eyes), call your doctor.
Deferiprone can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Infections;
- Joint Pain
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing symptoms. Report any side effects directly by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
deferasirox, jadenu, exjade, ferriprox, and jadenu sprinkle
Warnings
Men and women who use this medication should both continue to use birth control for at least six months following the last dose. The men should continue to use birth control at least three months after their last dose. If you experience any signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to deferiprone, then it is best not to use this product.
If you've ever:
- Liver Disease
- A weak immune system.
Deferiprone is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Men and women who use this medication should both take birth control measures to avoid pregnancy.
- If she is female, you might need to take a pregnancy test first. You should use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during the time you take this medication and at least six months after.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last pill.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using deferiprone.
This medicine should be taken at least two weeks before breastfeeding, not during this time. Deferiprone should not be used by those under the age of 18.
How to take Deferiprone?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Take deferiprone three times a day.Take your initial dose in the morning. Take the second daily dose midday and then the third daily dose in the evening. Use the dose-measuring cup provided with the oral solution to measure liquid medication. Only use the measuring cup that comes with oral solutions. Take the entire dose of medicine from the cup. Add about 1 teaspoon of water, stir gently, and then drink. After each use, wash the measuring cup by hand. If deferiprone causes stomach upset, take it with food. Your next dosage may be delayed depending on the results of your medical tests. Weight is used to determine the deferiprone dosage.Your dose needs may change if your weight increases or decreases. Keep the deferiprone tablet and liquid at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and sunlight. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly. You should throw away liquid medicines that you have not consumed within 35 days of opening the container.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one.Never take more than one dose at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect being exposed to toxic materials and need immediate medical help or call the Poison Help Line for immediate advice and treatment.
What should be avoided?
Use only the iron-chelating medicine Deferoxamine, Desferal, or Deferasirox unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Take your deferiprone 4 hours prior to or after taking any other medication.
- Antiacids that contain aluminum
- A medicine or a supplement that contains iron (including ferric citrate, feosol, fergon, ferrocite, hemocytes, and others)
- Iron- or zinc-containing vitamins or minerals.
Do not take any herbal supplements containing milk thistle. Deferiprone may also be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your physician of all medicines you are currently taking as well as those you are starting or discontinuing taking.
