Deferiprone is used to remove excess iron in your body, particularly in individuals with thalassaemia major (an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to produce insufficient amount of haemoglobin). Iron may build up in your body after repeated blood transfusions.
Take Deferiprone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. To reduce the nausea or vomiting that it may cause, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Deferiprone is available as a conventional or delayed-release tablet and an oral solution.
If you are taking the conventional/delayed-release type of tablet and your full dose includes taking half of a tablet, you may divide the tablet into two equal halves as necessary. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Deferiprone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a current or history of low white blood cell count as Deferiprone may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Deferiprone therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Deferiprone therapy and for 6 months (in women) or 3 months (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- weak immune system
- HIV infection
- liver problems
- kidney disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. white blood cell count, liver function, blood iron and zinc levels) may be done while you are being treated with Deferiprone. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection may also be needed.
Deferiprone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion, weight gain, and joint or back pain.
Your urine may look slightly reddish or brown in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Deferiprone may cause the level of your white blood cells to drop.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. phenylbutazone, diclofenac
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- silymarin (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Deferiprone.
This medicine should not be taken with aluminium-based antacids (medicine that neutralises stomach acids) or any preparations containing iron or zinc as they could reduce the effectiveness of Deferiprone. If you must take these medicines, take them at least 4 hours before or after you have taken Deferiprone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the oral solution in its original package to protect it from light. It should be used within 35 days after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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