The U.S. FDA approved Deferiprone for iron overload on October 14, 2011. Deferiprone belongs to the medication called iron chelators, which removes excess iron from the body. 

Deferiprone treats iron overload caused by frequent blood transfusions in patients with thalassemia major when current chelation therapy is insufficient or not recommended.

Take Deferiprone as your physician advises. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This capsule should be taken with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop consuming the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Deferiprone are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, increased liver enzyme values, arthralgia, reddish or brown discoloration of urine, headache, diarrhea, tiredness, and increased appetite.

Do not consume Deferiprone if you are allergic to Deferiprone and its other ingredients. Do not take this medicine if you have a history of repeated episodes of neutropenia (low white blood cell count) or agranulocytosis (very low white blood cell count). Avoid using it if you are taking medications known to cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis; your physician monitors your blood parameters regularly to avoid neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Additionally, do not take Ferriprox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting to take Deferiprone, inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with HIV or if you have severe liver or kidney impairment. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to assess your suitability for this medication and to monitor your condition closely during treatment. Use effective contraception during the treatment, six months after the last dose for women of childbearing potential and three months after the last dose for men.

Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Inform your doctor about any known allergies or medical conditions you have before receiving Deferiprone. Avoid using it if you are taking medications known to cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis; your physician monitors your blood parameters regularly to avoid these conditions. 

If you notice any unexpected or severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications or supplements you are consuming to avoid potential drug interactions. If you have any concerns regarding the treatment, consult your healthcare professional for information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 30°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Chiesi Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sept 2022] [Accessed on 21st July 2023],  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10908.pdf
2. 2. Apotex Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2019] [Accessed on 21st July 2023],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021825s004lbl.pdf
3. Michael J. Kosnett, Heavy Metal Intoxication & Chelators, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 1020-1034.
4. KD Tripathi, Chelating Agents, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 964-967.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.