Deferiprone

What is Deferiprone for?

Deferiprone is indicated for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions or non-transfusion dependent thalassemia syndromes.

How should I take or use Deferiprone?

Deferiprone should be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor. Take with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, you can take with food.

Allow at least a 4-hour interval with medications or supplements containing iron, aluminium, and zinc.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Deferiprone?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses at once or take extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Deferiprone?

Talk to your doctor before taking Deferiprone:

1. If you have any problems with your liver or kidneys
2. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
3. If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug and for 1 week after your last dose

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Deferiprone?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist the medicines you are taking including antacids (medicine used to treat heartburn), certain painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines.

What are some common side effects of Deferiprone?

1. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
2. Fatigue or muscle weakness
3. Low white cell counts / Infections
4. Liver problems 
5. Red discoloration of urine

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

1. Sign of an allergic reaction e.g. rash, itching, swollen, trouble breathing.
2. Purple spots or redness of the skin.
3. Signs of infections e.g. like fever, chills, flu-like signs, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or a wound that will not heal.

How should I store Deferiprone?

1. Keep away from children
2. Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
3. Store at room temperature

How do I throw away Deferiprone safely?

Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.

How should I handle Deferiprone safely?

No extra handling precautions.

What should I do if I overdose?

If you overdose on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.