Deferiprone

What is this medication for?

This medication is used for the treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassaemia major (a severe, inherited blood condition where the body cannot make enough healthy hemoglobin). This medication does so by binding to iron in the body and increasing its removal. This medication is available in both tablet and solution formulations.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• Your medication dosage may be adjusted, depending on your iron levels monitored by your doctor. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of low white blood cell counts
• You have a high chance of having low white blood cell counts due to existing medical conditions or taking certain medications
• You have kidney-related and/or liver-related medical conditions.
• You are taking Vitamin C products

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Reddish/brown urine, due to removal of the medication with iron through the urine
• Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain
• Change in levels of liver enzymes
• Reduction in white blood cell counts
• Headache
• Joint pain with or without disability
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

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

• Avoid taking antacids when you are taking deferiprone as antacids may interact with deferiprone and reduce its absorption.
• Avoid taking medications that can cause a reduction in white blood cells unless instructed by your doctor. 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

For the solution formulation, store in the original package to protect from light and discard 5 weeks after opening.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.