Deferiprone

Ferriprox


Uses


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.


Precaution


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.


Side Effects


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.

Handling


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.


For more information


What should I do if I overdose?

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

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, and Watsons), and the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last Updated on May 2019



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