Deferiprone

Deferiprone attaches to iron and takes it out of the bloodstream.

Deferiprone is used to treat iron overload that happens from blood transfusions in people with certain inherited red blood cell disorders (thalassemia syndrome).

Deferiprone may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Deferiprone is usually taken 3 times a day. Take the first dose each morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening.

Measure the liquid medicine (oral solution) carefully. Use only the dose-measuring cup that comes with the oral solution. Drink all of the medicine in the measuring cup. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of water to the cup, swirl it gently, and drink. Hand-wash the measuring cup after each use.

Take deferiprone with food if it upsets your stomach.

You will need regular medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.

Deferiprone doses are based on your weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Store deferiprone tablets or liquid in the original container at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away any liquid medicine that has not been used within 35 days after you first opened the bottle.

Both men and women taking this medicine should use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy. Women should continue using birth control for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should continue using birth control for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection such as: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, skin sores, or sores in your mouth and throat.

You should not use deferiprone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or
• a weak immune system.

It is not known if deferiprone will harm an unborn baby. Both men and women taking this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.

• If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your partner can become pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy happens while either the mother or the father is using deferiprone.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Deferiprone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with deferiprone. Stop using deferiprone and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, body aches;
• flu symptoms;
• skin sores; or
• sores in your mouth and throat.

Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up.

Deferiprone may cause your urine to turn a reddish-brown color. This side effect is usually not harmful. Call your doctor if you also have upper stomach pain, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes).

Common side effects of deferiprone may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• infections;
• joint pain; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use other iron chelating medicines like deferasirox (Exjade) or deferoxamine (Desferal) unless your doctor has instructed you to.

If you take any of the following medicines, take your deferiprone dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine:

• an antacid that contains aluminum;
• a medicine or supplement that contains iron (including ferric citrate, Feosol, Fergon, Ferrocite, Hemocyte, and others); or
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement that contains milk thistle.

Other drugs may affect deferiprone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.