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deferiprone

Generic Ferriprox
Used for Iron Overload
Used for Iron Overload

Deferiprone (Ferriprox) is a medication used to treat iron overload (too much iron in the body) in people with certain blood conditions, like sickle cell disease or anemia, after they've received a blood transfusion. It comes in a tablet and solution formulation. The solution is only available as a brand-name medication, but there's a lower-cost generic version of the tablets.

Last reviewed on March 9, 2022
basics-icon

What is Deferiprone (Ferriprox)?

What is Deferiprone (Ferriprox) used for?

  • Transfusion iron overload in people with certain blood diseases (thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other anemias)

How Deferiprone (Ferriprox) works

Deferiprone (Ferriprox) is a chelating agent. It works by attaching to iron in the body and forming a chemical compound that isn't harmful to you. Your body then gets rid of this iron compound by passing it through your urine.

People with certain blood conditions sometimes need blood transfusions because their bodies don't make blood as well as other people. Receiving frequent blood transfusions puts you at risk for excess iron buildup in different organs in your body, which can lead to organ damage. This is known as transfusion iron overload.

Deferiprone (Ferriprox) helps get rid of the excess iron from blood transfusions that would otherwise be toxic to your body.

Are you looking for information on deferoxamine (Desferal) or deferasirox (Exjade or Jadenu) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFerriprox
Drug ClassChelating agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Deferiprone (Ferriprox)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Fever (28%)
  • Stomach pain (26%)
  • Bone pain (25%)
  • Headache (20%)
  • Vomiting (19%)
  • Pain in arms or legs (18%)
  • Sickle cell crisis (17%)
  • Back pain (13%)
  • Abnormal liver function tests (11-12%)
  • Joint pain (10%)
  • Mouth and throat pain (10%)
  • Cough (8%)
  • Low white blood cell count (8%)
  • Nausea (7%)
^*Side effect percentages above are for people with sickle cell disease or other anemias. Side effects and percentages might differ slightly for people with thalassemia. Please see the source below for more details.^

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Common cold
  • Other upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, cough)
  • Pain
  • Appetite changes
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Low white blood cells: fever, sore throat, mouth sores, flu-like symptoms, chills

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

chills

cough

fever

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

sore throat

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

hoarseness

Incidence not known

Anxiety

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

clay-colored stools

confusion

dark urine

decreased urination

dilated neck veins

dizziness or lightheadedness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

dry mouth

extreme tiredness or weakness

fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

increase in heart rate

increased sweating

irregular breathing

irritation

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin

loss of appetite

muscle tremors

nausea

nervousness

painful knees and ankles

pinpoint red spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles

rapid weight gain

rapid, deep or shallow breathing

redness of the skin

restlessness

seizures

severe nausea or vomiting

slow heartbeat

sneezing

spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple

stomach pain or cramps

sudden troubled breathing

sugar in the urine

sunken eyes

sweating

swelling of the eyelids, around the eyes, face, lips, hands, or feet

thirst

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

trouble with balance

troubled breathing or swallowing

unpleasant breath odor

unusual weight gain or loss

vision changes

vomiting of blood

weight gain

wrinkled skin

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Difficulty with moving

muscle pain or stiffness

reddish or brow discoloration of the urine

stomach discomfort

Less common

Back pain

belching

diarrhea

heartburn

increased or decreased appetite

indigestion

pain in the arms or legs

stomach upset

Incidence not known

Bloody nose

clenching, gnashing, or grinding teeth

constipation

coughing or spitting up blood

depression

difficulty opening the mouth

difficulty with speaking

drooling

impaired psychomotor skills

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

lockjaw

loss of balance control

muscle spasm, especially of the neck and back

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

severe sunburn

shuffling walk

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

stiffness of the limbs

stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain

twisting movements of the body

uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Deferiprone (Ferriprox)

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Pros

Comes as a tablet and a solution

Solution formulation can be used in children as young as 3 years old

No dose adjustments needed for most people with kidney or liver damage

Tablets available as a lower-cost generic

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Cons

Needs to be taken 2 or 3 times a day

Can cause extremely low levels of white blood cells, which can lead to serious or life-threatening illness

Can only be dispensed by a specialty pharmacy

Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding due to risk of harm to baby

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Deferiprone (Ferriprox)

pharmacist
  • Take deferiprone (Ferriprox) with food to help lower the risk of nausea and vomiting.

    • Don't take antacids or supplements containing iron, aluminum, or zinc within 4 hours of taking deferiprone (Ferriprox), because they can lower the effects of the medication.

      • Deferiprone (Ferriprox) can cause your urine to change to a reddish-brown color. Your body gets rid of the extra iron through your urine, which makes it change color. This is normal during treatment and not harmful.

        • Your healthcare provider will calculate your dose of deferiprone (Ferriprox) based on your weight. They might change your dose based on your iron levels or if you develop certain side effects during treatment. Don't change your dose unless your provider tells you to.

          • This medication can cause an extreme drop in your white blood cells, which can be dangerous. Make sure to do your blood tests on time during treatment so your provider can check your white blood cell count. Stop taking deferiprone (Ferriprox) and contact your provider right away if you get a fever, sore throat, mouth sores, flu-like symptoms, or chills.

            • If you're a female who can become pregnant, use contraception while taking deferiprone (Ferriprox) and for at least 6 months after your last dose. If you’re a male taking this medication and your partner is a female who can become pregnant, also use contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Talk to your provider right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant while taking deferiprone (Ferriprox).

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Deferiprone (Ferriprox)

              How do you take deferiprone (Ferriprox) tablets?
              There are different dosing schedules for the deferiprone (Ferriprox) tablets. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you're taking the medication correctly. If you’re taking the tablets twice a day, take the first dose in the morning and the second dose about 12 hours later in the evening. If you’re taking the tablets three times a day, take the first dose in the morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening.
              How do you take deferiprone (Ferriprox) solution?
              Deferiprone (Ferriprox) solution is usually taken three times a day. Take the first dose in the morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening. Use the measuring cup that comes with the medication to measure out the correct dose. Don't use household or kitchen spoons to measure the dose because they might not be accurate.
              How should you store deferiprone (Ferriprox)?
              Store deferiprone (Ferriprox) at room temperature. It’s best to keep the tablets and the oral solution in their original containers or packaging to prevent damage to the medication. The deferiprone (Ferriprox) solution is good for 35 days after you first open the bottle. Be sure to throw away any medication that's left over after this time.
              Can you pick up deferiprone (Ferriprox) at your regular pharmacy?
              Prescriptions for deferiprone (Ferriprox) can only be filled by a specialty pharmacy, so the medication might not be available at your regular pharmacy. This is the case for certain medications that are expensive or have special requirements for dispensing. There are resources available to find information about how to get a prescription filled and how to enroll in the manufacturer's copay program to help with the cost of the medication. The generic version of the medication is only available through a specific specialty pharmacy.
              Can you drink alcohol with deferiprone (Ferriprox)?
              Avoid drinking alcohol if you’re following the twice-daily dosing schedule for the deferiprone (Ferriprox) tablets. Alcohol can speed up the release of the medication in your body, raising your risk for more side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider before drinking alcohol with any of the other formulations of deferiprone (Ferriprox).
              Can you take deferiprone (Ferriprox) if you're breastfeeding?
              It's not known if deferiprone (Ferriprox) gets into the breast milk after taking it, so it's not recommended to breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Ask your provider about alternative ways to feed your baby during this time.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Deferiprone (Ferriprox)?

              Deferiprone (Ferriprox) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Extremely low white blood cells

              • Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower white blood cells

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) can cause extremely low white blood cells in your body. White blood cells play an important part in fighting off infections, so if they get too low, you're at risk for serious or deadly infections. You'll need to do a blood test to check your white blood cell count before you start taking deferiprone (Ferriprox) and regularly during treatment. You might need to stop taking the medication if your white blood cells drop too much. Report any signs of an infection to your provider right away.

                risk-warning

                Raised liver enzymes

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) can cause raised liver enzymes in your blood, which can be a sign of liver damage. You’ll need to do blood tests before you start taking deferiprone (Ferriprox) and throughout your treatment so your provider can check your liver. If your liver enzymes get too high, you might need to stop the medication temporarily.

                risk-warning

                Low zinc levels

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) can cause the zinc levels in your blood to get too low. This can lower your ability to fight infections and cause hair loss, diarrhea, sexual problems, and loss of appetite, among other things. Your healthcare provider will check your zinc levels before you start and throughout your treatment. You might need to take a zinc supplement if your levels drops too much.

                risk-warning

                Harm to unborn baby

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) might cause harm to your unborn baby, such as birth defects, if taken during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will need to make sure you're not pregnant before starting the medication (e.g., through a pregnancy test). If you're a female who can become pregnant, you should use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after you stop taking the medication. If you’re a male taking deferiprone (Ferriprox) and your partner is a female who can become pregnant, also use contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Talk to your provider about birth control options that are right for you.

                dosage

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) dosage forms

                Typical dosing for Deferiprone (Ferriprox)

                The dose is based on your or your child’s weight. Your healthcare provider will calculate the dose and make adjustments based on your response and side effects from the medication.

                The typical starting dose is 75 mg/kg of body weight by mouth per day, split into multiple doses during the day. Your provider will help you split your total daily dose evenly throughout the day.

                • Oral solution for people 3 years and older: The total daily dose is split into 3 doses throughout the day.

                • Tablets for people 8 years and older: The total daily dose is split into either 2 or 3 doses throughout the day.

                Please note: There are different instructions for how to take deferiprone (Ferriprox) based on the formulation and dosing schedule you're prescribed. See the FAQs section for more information.

                interactions

                Interactions between Deferiprone (Ferriprox) and other drugs

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Deferiprone (Ferriprox). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Deferiprone (Ferriprox)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Deferiprone (Ferriprox). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Deferiprone (Ferriprox)
                Used for:
                • Transfusion iron overload in people with certain blood diseases (thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other anemias)

                Used for:
                images

                Deferiprone (Ferriprox) images

                White Oval T 1 K - Deferiprone 1000mg Tablet (Three-Times-A-Day)
                This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "T 1 K".White Oval T 1 K - Deferiprone 1000mg Tablet (Three-Times-A-Day)

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