Deferiprone
About Deferiprone
Deferiprone is indicated to remove excess iron from the body. It is used to treat iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusions in patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate.
Deferiprone contains Deferiprone, which works by attaching to iron and helps your body pass the extra iron out in the urine. Thus, it helps treat iron overload.
In some cases, Deferiprone may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and reddish/brown discolouration of the urine. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
If you are allergic to any components in Deferiprone, please inform your doctor. Do not take Deferiprone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness have not been established in children. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Deferiprone
Medicinal Benefits
Deferiprone belongs to the group of medicines called iron chelators used to remove excess iron from the body. It is used to treat iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusions in patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate. Deferiprone contains Deferiprone, which works by attaching to iron in the body so that it can be removed from the body. Thus, it helps treat iron overload.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Deferiprone
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Reddish/brown discolouration of urine
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Deferiprone if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have a very low/low blood cell count, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult the doctor if you become pregnant during treatment with Deferiprone. Stop using Deferiprone and consult the doctor immediately if you experience signs of infection like fever, chills, body pain, skin sores, or sore throat. Inform the doctor if you have a weak immune system or liver or kidney disease. Let the doctor know if you are taking any prescription/non-prescription medicines, mineral/vitamin supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking immunosuppressants (tocilizumab, everolimus), antacids (sucralfate), or herbal products (milk thistle).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have liver impairment or agranulocytosis/neutropenia (very low/low white blood cell count).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Deferiprone as it may make the side effects worse.
Pregnancy
unsafeDeferiprone belongs to pregnancy category D. Do not take Deferiprone if you are pregnant as it may cause foetal harm.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known if Deferiprone passes into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment with Deferiprone and for two weeks after the last dose.
Driving
safe if prescribedDeferiprone is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionThe safety and efficacy of Deferiprone in patients with severe liver problems have not been established. Please consult the doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Deferiprone in children have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a well-balanced diet.
- Reduce the intake of iron-rich foods like red meat.
- Donate blood regularly.
- Avoid using iron cookware.
- Do not take vitamin C foods that are rich in iron.
Special Advise
- The doctor may advise regular blood tests to monitor blood count and iron load in the body.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose.
- Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Iron overload: Iron overload is a condition in which the body has too much iron. It usually occurs due to a condition known as hemochromatosis. Excess iron may poison organs and lead to conditions like cancer, liver cirrhosis, and irregular heartbeat. Symptoms may include general weakness, joint pain, fatigue, stomach pain, and weight loss.
FAQs
Deferiprone is used to remove excess iron from the body. It is used to treat iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusions in patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate.
Deferiprone works by attaching to iron in the body and facilitating its removal.
Deferiprone may cause reddish/brown discolouration of urine. Do not worry, as this is a very common side effect and is not harmful. However, if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
Maintain a gap of 4 hours between Deferiprone and mineral/vitamin supplements and antacids containing polyvalent cations like iron, aluminium, and zinc.
The common side effects of the Deferiprone are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, reddish/brown discoloration of urine, headache, diarrhoea. However, these symptoms vanish as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms become worse, please consult a doctor for relief.
