deferiprone at a glance
Medicine class
Iron-chelating agent
Available forms
Film-coated tablets and oral solution
Key safety check
Regular neutrophil blood counts are essential because severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis can occur
Urine colour
Reddish-brown urine is expected as the iron–deferiprone complex is excreted
What is deferiprone used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected products include:
Iron overload in thalassaemia major when deferoxamine or current chelation therapy is contraindicated or inadequate.
Use with another iron chelator when monotherapy is ineffective, or serious consequences of iron overload, mainly cardiac overload, justify intensive correction.
How does deferiprone work?
Deferiprone binds iron; three deferiprone molecules bind one iron ion. The complex is removed mainly in urine, reducing excess body iron and limiting further accumulation.
deferiprone preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg/mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 500 mg, 1000 mg
How to take deferiprone
Take deferiprone by mouth exactly as prescribed by the specialist team.
Tablets may be taken with or without food; food may help nausea.
The selected scored tablet can be divided into equal halves when instructed.
Measure oral solution using the supplied graduated cup.
Do not alter the prescribed amount without consulting the specialist team.
deferiprone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Reddish-brown urine, which is usually harmless
- Diarrhoea
- Headache or fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- Increased appetite
- Raised liver enzymes
- Rash or hives
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, sore throat or flu-like symptoms, which may indicate severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis
- New tremor, walking difficulty, double vision, involuntary movements or coordination problems
deferiprone in pregnancy
Deferiprone is contraindicated during pregnancy. Anyone planning pregnancy needs specialist review. If pregnancy occurs, stop deferiprone and obtain immediate specialist advice.
deferiprone while breastfeeding
Deferiprone must not be used while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk; if treatment is unavoidable, breastfeeding must stop following specialist discussion.
deferiprone interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with the specialist team.
Medicines associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis
Concurrent use is contraindicated because of the risk of dangerously low neutrophil counts.
Aluminium-based antacids
Do not take them at the same time because deferiprone binds metallic cations.
Common questions about deferiprone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Ferriprox the same as deferiprone?
Ferriprox is a brand containing the active ingredient deferiprone.
Why are blood tests needed?
Deferiprone can cause severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis. Regular neutrophil counts help identify this before a serious infection develops.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.