Deferiprone
Generic name: deferiprone [ de-FER-i-prone ]
Brand names: Ferriprox, Ferriprox Twice-A-Day, Ferriprox Three-Times-A-Day
Dosage forms: oral liquid (100 mg/mL); oral tablet (1000 mg; 500 mg)
Drug classes:Antidotes, Chelating agents
What is deferiprone?
Deferiprone binds to iron and removes it from the bloodstream.
Deferiprone is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in people with certain hereditary red blood cell disorders (thalassemia syndrome).
Deferiprone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Both men and women using deferiprone should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women should keep using birth control for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should keep using birth control for at least 3 months after the last dose.
Stop using this medicine 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.
Before taking this medicine
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 whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using 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 you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs 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.
How should I take deferiprone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Deferiprone is usually taken 3 times per day. Take the first daily dose each morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening.
Measure liquid medicine (oral solution) carefully. Use only the dose-measuring cup provided wit...
