What is Ferriprox?
Ferriprox is a drug that binds iron in the bloodstream and removes it. Ferriprox treats iron overload due to blood transfusions for people with thalassemia or sickle cell disease. These are hereditary disorders of the red blood cells. Ferriprox can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Ferriprox can harm an unborn child. Men and women who use this medication should both use birth control. Women must continue to use birth control at least six months after their last dose. Men should continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dosage. Stop Ferriprox use and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection, such as body aches, fever, chills, or flu symptoms.
Before you take this drug
Ferriprox should not be used if you have an allergy to deferiprone.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Ferriprox will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- A weak immune system.
Deferiprone is not known to harm unborn babies. Men and women who use this medication should both use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
- If you are a woman and you want to start this treatment, you might need a negative pregnancy check. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during the time you use this medication and for 6 months following your last dose.
- Men who wish to avoid becoming fathers must use effective birth control, continuing use for at least three months post-last dose.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Ferriprox.
This medicine should not be taken for 2 weeks following your last dose or while breastfeeding. Ferriprox tablets can be used by adults and children over 8 years old.
Ferriprox oral solution is for adults and children over 3 years old.
Similar/related drugs
deferasirox, deferiprone, jadenu, exjade, and jadenu sprinkle
How to take Ferriprox?
Ferriprox should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician.Reread all instructions and directives included with your prescription medication.Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. Ferriprox comes in two different types, which are taken at different times. You can take them either twice a day or three times a day. Ask your doctor if you're unsure if you're taking the right tablet.
Take the first dose of the tablet in the morning and the second in the evening. The doses should be separated by about 12 hours. Take the first dose every morning, then the second at midday, and finally the third in the evening. Use the dose-measuring cup provided with the oral solution to measure liquid medicine. Only use the measuring cup that comes with the oral solutions. Take the entire dose of medicine from the measuring cup. Add about 1 tablespoon of water, stir gently, and then drink. After each use, wash the measuring cup by hand.
Ferriprox may upset your stomach. Take it with food. Your next dose could be delayed, depending on the results of your medical tests. Weight is used to determine the deferiprone dosage. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight. Store the Ferriprox tablet and liquid at room temperature in their original containers. Protect against moisture, heat, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut. You should throw away liquid medicines that you have not used for 35 days from the date of opening.
Dosing information
The usual dose for iron overload in adults and children is:
Ferriprox tablets come in two different formulations of 1000 mg, each with a different dosage regimen to achieve the exact same daily dose. Before prescribing or dispensing medication, make sure that the tablet formulation matches the dosage regimen. Each tablet is unique and has a distinctive identifying characteristic.
Ferriprox tablets (three times per day):
Start oral dosage: 75 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses.
Maximum oral dosage: 99 mg/kg/day in three divided doses
Round up to the nearest 500mg (half tablet).
Uses:
Treatment of iron overload caused by transfusion in adults and children aged 8 and older who have thalassemia
Treatment of iron overload in adults and children 8 years and older with sickle-cell disease or anemia
Ferriprox tablets (twice daily):
Starting oral dosage: 75 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in two divided doses
Maximum oral dosage: 99 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in two divided doses
Round up the daily total dose to the nearest half-tablet (500 mg).
Uses:
Treatment of iron overload caused by transfusion in adults and children aged 8 and older who have thalassemia
Treatment of iron overload in adults and children 8 years and older with sickle-cell disease or anemia
Ferriprox oral solution, 80 mg/mL
Start oral dosage: 75 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses.
Maximum oral dose: 99 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses.
Round the dose up to the nearest 2.5 mL.
Uses:
Treatment of iron overload caused by transfusion in adults and children aged 3 and older who have thalassemia
Treatment of iron overload in adults and children aged 3 years and older who have sickle cell disease and other anemias
Adapt the dose to the patient's response and therapeutic goal (maintenance of iron or reduction).
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Use only the iron-chelating medicine deferasirox or exjade, unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Side effects of Ferriprox
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat; contact emergency medical assistance immediately. Ferriprox can cause serious and even fatal infections. If you notice any signs of infection, such as: stop using Ferriprox and contact your doctor immediately.
- Fever, chills, and body aches
- Flu symptoms
- skin sores;
- Sores on your tongue and throat
You may need to delay taking further doses until the infection has cleared. Ferriprox can cause your urine's color to change from a brownish to a reddish hue. This side effect is usually not harmful. If you have any of the following symptoms: upper stomach pain; clay-colored stool; or jaundice (yellowing on your skin or whites of your eye).
Ferriprox may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Infections;
- Joint pain;
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Ferriprox should be taken 4 hours before or 4 hours after the other medication.
- Antiacids that contain aluminum
- A medicine or supplement containing iron (including Feosol Fergon Ferrocite and other similar products);
- Iron or zinc supplements are available as vitamin or mineral supplements.
Do not take any herbal supplements containing milk thistle. Deferiprone may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
