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Deferiprone is used in certain people to treat high iron blood levels. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bone or joint pain. You may notice your pee turns a reddish or brownish color while you are taking deferiprone. This is not harmful. It is a sign that the medicine is working. Serious side effects include low white blood cell levels and abnormal liver function tests.

Uses

What is deferiprone used for?

Deferiprone is commonly used to treat certain people who need multiple blood transfusions because they have too much iron in their blood (hemochromatosis) because of the following.

Deferiprone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does deferiprone work (mechanism of action)?

Deferiprone works by binding to lead in your body, forming compounds called chelates. Your body gets rid of the chelates when you pee. This helps to lower your iron levels.

How is deferiprone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ferriprox

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg/mL oral solution
  • 500 mg oral tablets
  • 1,000 mg oral tablets

How should I store deferiprone?

Oral Tablets. Deferiprone tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed, and protect it from moisture. 

Oral Solution. Store deferiprone liquid just like the tablets (see above). Keep it in the original bottle and carton to protect it from light. Throw away any unused deferiprone liquid 35 days after first opening of the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of deferiprone?

The most common side effects of deferiprone are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Abnormal liver function tests (see below)
  • Low white blood cell levels (see below)
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Pain in your arms, legs, or back
  • Sickle cell crisis
  • Sore throat
  • Cough

There may be other side effects of deferiprone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of deferiprone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of deferiprone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Deferiprone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking deferiprone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low White Blood Cell Levels. Deferiprone may cause severely low levels of two types of white blood cells, granulocytes (which is known as agranulocytosis) and neutrophils (which is known as neutropenia). These types of white blood cells help prevent infections. Having very low levels can increase your risk of infection. Your health care provider may need to monitor your white blood cell levels while you are taking deferiprone. Keep all of your appointments, including lab appointments, while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking deferiprone and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection. If you are not able to reach your health care provider right away, seek other medical care, to avoid delays.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Any other flu-like symptoms
  • Sores in your mouth, throat, or nose
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Abnormal Liver Function Tests. Deferiprone may cause abnormal liver function tests. These changes can be early signs of liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Your health care provider may monitor your liver function tests while you are taking deferiprone to make sure that deferiprone is safe for you to take. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are taking this medicine.

Zinc Deficiency. Deferiprone may be linked with low zinc levels in your body. Your health care provider may monitor your zinc levels while you are taking deferiprone. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are taking this medicine. Follow any dietary advice or supplement recommendations from your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use deferiprone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take deferiprone.

  • Deferiprone
  • Ferriprox
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific deferiprone products they stock.

What should I know about deferiprone before using it?

Do not take deferiprone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share deferiprone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep deferiprone out of the reach of children.

If you are prescribed deferiprone liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

You may notice reddish or brownish discoloration of your urine (pee) while you are taking deferiprone. This is due to iron chelates leaving your body. It is a sign that deferiprone is working. This is common and is not harmful.

While you are taking deferiprone, your health care provider may monitor blood tests, to make sure that deferiprone is working and is safe for you to take. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are taking this medicine.

If you can get pregnant or get your partner pregnant, you should use an effective method of birth control while taking deferiprone and for 3 months (if you can get your partner pregnant) or 6 months (if you can get pregnant) after your last dose. See the Pregnancy section for more details. 

Taking deferiprone with food or a meal may reduce your risk of nausea. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using deferiprone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if deferiprone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Deferiprone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking deferiprone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any current or past liver problems. Deferiprone may cause abnormal liver function test results.

Pregnancy. Deferiprone may cause harm to an unborn baby. Your health care provider may test to make sure you are not pregnant before you can start taking this medicine. You should use an effective method of birth control while taking deferiprone and for 6 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take deferiprone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take deferiprone while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if deferiprone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop deferiprone.

Interactions

Does deferiprone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between deferiprone and foods or drinks. Taking deferiprone with meals may help lower the risk of nausea. 

Drinking alcohol can make certain deferiprone tablets release the medicine too quickly in your body. This can affect how the medicine works or its side effects. You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking these deferiprone tablets. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure what kind of deferiprone tablets you have.

Does deferiprone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking deferiprone.

  • Clozapine (Clozaril), which is a medicine used for certain mental health conditions
  • Everolimus (Zortress), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system 
  • Linezolid (Zyvox), which is a medicine used to treat certain bacterial infections
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • Pyrimethamine (Daraprim), which is a medicine used to treat certain parasite infections
  • An interferon medicine, such as interferon alfa 2b, interferon beta 1a (Avonex, Rebif), interferon beta 1b (Betaseron), or interferon gamma 1b (Actimmune)
  • A chemotherapy medicine, which is used to treat certain cancers
  • An antacid or supplements containing iron, aluminum, or zinc

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of deferiprone. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with deferiprone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much deferiprone?

If you or someone else has used too much deferiprone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of deferiprone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.