WARNING

Deferiprone is a medication primarily used to remove excess iron from the body, especially in patients with thalassemia or other conditions requiring frequent blood transfusions. While it’s generally effective, there are some risks associated with its use:

• Neutropenia: This is a condition where the number of white blood cells called neutrophils drops significantly, increasing the risk of infections.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Deferiprone can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some individuals.
• Liver Toxicity: Rare cases of liver toxicity have been reported with the use of Deferiprone, which may lead to liver damage.
• Joint Pain: Some patients experience joint pain while taking Deferiprone, though this side effect is less common.
• Eye and Vision Problems: There have been reports of ocular toxicity associated with long-term use of Deferiprone, leading to vision changes or other eye problems.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Deferiprone, which can manifest as rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

It’s crucial for patients taking Deferiprone to undergo regular monitoring by their healthcare provider to manage and minimize these risks. The benefits of reducing iron overload should be carefully weighed against the potential side effects.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Deferiprone is prescribed primarily for the treatment of iron overload in patients who have received multiple blood transfusions, often due to conditions like thalassemia major or other chronic anemias. These patients accumulate excess iron in their bodies from the transfused blood, which can lead to organ damage over time. Deferiprone helps remove this excess iron by binding to it and facilitating its excretion from the body through urine and feces.

How should this medicine be used?

As for how Deferiprone should be used:

• Dosage: The dosage of Deferiprone can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, and the severity of iron overload. It’s typically taken orally in the form of tablets.
• Frequency: Deferiprone is usually taken three times a day, spaced evenly apart.
• Administration: It’s typically taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to maximize absorption. However, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding timing and administration.
• Monitoring: Patients taking Deferiprone need regular monitoring of their blood counts, liver function, and eye health to detect and manage any potential side effects or complications.
• Compliance: It’s crucial to take Deferiprone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Missing doses or taking more than prescribed can affect its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
• Duration: Treatment with Deferiprone is often long-term, and patients may need to continue taking it indefinitely to manage iron overload effectively.
• Interactions: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies they are taking before starting Deferiprone, as it can interact with certain drugs.

It’s essential to discuss any questions or concerns about Deferiprone with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and specific needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Apart from treating iron overload due to blood transfusions, Deferasirox may have potential off-label uses or investigational uses in conditions associated with iron accumulation, such as hereditary hemochromatosis. However, the use of Deferasirox for these purposes would be at the discretion of the prescribing physician and based on individual patient needs.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when taking Deferiprone:

• Regular Monitoring: Patients should undergo regular monitoring of their blood counts, liver function, and eye health while taking Deferiprone to detect and manage any potential side effects or complications.
• Neutropenia Risk: Deferiprone can cause neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell), which can increase the risk of infections. Patients should report any signs of infection, such as fever or sore throat, to their healthcare provider promptly.
• Liver Function: Because Deferiprone can rarely cause liver toxicity, patients should be monitored for signs of liver damage, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or abdominal pain.
• Eye Health: Long-term use of Deferiprone has been associated with ocular toxicity in some patients. Regular eye examinations are recommended to detect any changes in vision or other eye problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Deferiprone during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking Deferiprone.
• Drug Interactions: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies they are taking before starting Deferiprone, as it can interact with certain drugs.
• Compliance: It’s essential to take Deferiprone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Missing doses or taking more than prescribed can affect its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.

It’s crucial to discuss any questions or concerns about Deferiprone, including its potential uses and precautions, with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and specific needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for Deferiprone, it’s generally recommended to take it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to maximize absorption. However, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding timing and administration.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Deferiprone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Deferiprone, like any medication, can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Deferiprone may include:

• Gastrointestinal Upset: This can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
• Joint Pain: Some patients may experience joint pain or discomfort while taking Deferiprone.
• Changes in Taste: Deferiprone can sometimes cause alterations in taste perception, such as a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Increased Liver Enzymes: In some cases, Deferiprone may lead to elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential liver irritation or damage.
• Neutropenia: Deferiprone can cause a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which can increase the risk of infections.
• Ocular Toxicity: Long-term use of Deferiprone has been associated with ocular toxicity in some patients, leading to vision changes or other eye problems.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Deferiprone, which can manifest as rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

It’s essential to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and some individuals may tolerate Deferiprone well with minimal or no adverse effects. However, if you experience any concerning symptoms while taking Deferiprone, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to the storage and disposal of Deferiprone:

• Storage: Store Deferiprone tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Avoid storing them in the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture levels can fluctuate. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused or expired Deferiprone tablets properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Instead, check with your pharmacist or local recycling or hazardous waste disposal center for guidance on how to safely dispose of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect an overdose of Deferiprone or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or severe gastrointestinal distress, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
• Poison Control: You can also contact your local poison control center for guidance on what to do in case of Deferiprone overdose. They can provide advice on managing symptoms and may recommend further medical evaluation.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider for monitoring of your blood counts, liver function, and eye health while taking Deferiprone. This helps detect and manage any potential side effects or complications.
• Dietary Instructions: Take Deferiprone on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to maximize absorption. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding timing and administration.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of Deferiprone with your healthcare provider. Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision about whether to continue or discontinue treatment.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking before starting Deferiprone, as it can interact with certain drugs.
• Compliance: Take Deferiprone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Missing doses or taking more than prescribed can affect its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the proper use, storage, and disposal of Deferiprone, you can help ensure its safe and effective use in managing iron overload.