Deferiprone (de-FER-i-prone)

Treats iron toxicity (too much iron in the blood) in patients with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or anemia who have blood transfusions. This medicine is an iron chelator (binder).

Brand Name(s):

Ferriprox, Ferriprox Twice-A-Day

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• If you are taking the oral liquid or tablet 3 times a day: Take the first dose in the morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening with meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• If you are taking the tablet 2 times a day: Take the first dose in the morning and the second dose in the evening with food.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may use the oral liquid form of this medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Oral liquid: You may store the medicine at room temperature for up to 8 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after 8 weeks.
  • Tablets: Keep the bottle tightly closed. Use the medicine dispensed only in its original container.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how deferiprone works. Tell your doctor if you are using diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle).
• Do not take anything that contains aluminum, iron, or zinc within 4 hours before or after you take deferiprone. This includes antacids, multivitamins, and supplements.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners who can become pregnant must use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection.
• This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
• This medicine may cause your urine to turn red or brownish. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back, arm, or leg pain
• Headache
• Red or brown urine

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088