Deferiprone
Deferiprone Oral solution
What is this medicine?
DEFERIPRONE (de FER ip rone) binds to iron in the blood. It helps to prevent and treat too much iron in the blood caused by blood transfusions.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
infection
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red counts
an unusual or allergic reaction to deferiprone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the special measuring cup that comes with this medicine to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. After taking your dose, add about 10 to 15 mL of water to the measuring cup and swirl it around to mix the water with any remaining medicine in the cup, and drink the mixture. Avoid taking this medicine within 4 hours of foods, mineral supplements, or antacids that contain iron, aluminum, or zinc. You can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
antacids
diclofenac
iron supplements
medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection
milk thistle or silymarin
probenecid
zinc supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You may need blood work done while taking this medicine.
Your urine might show a red or brown discoloration during treatment. This is a very common sign of the desired effect of this medicine, and it is not harmful.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
joint pain
red or dark-brown urine
stomach pain
upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. After 35 days, throw away the open bottle and any unused medicine that is still in the bottle.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Deferiprone Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
DEFERIPRONE (de FER ip rone) binds to iron in the blood. It helps to prevent and treat too much iron in the blood caused by blood transfusions.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
infection
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
an unusual or allergic reaction to deferiprone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Avoid taking this medicine within 4 hours of foods, mineral supplements, or antacids that contain iron, aluminum, or zinc. You can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
antacids
diclofenac
iron supplements
medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection
milk thistle or silymarin
probenecid
zinc supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You may need blood work done while taking this medicine.
Your urine might show a red or brown discoloration during treatment. This is a very common sign of the desired effect of this medicine, and it is not harmful.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
joint pain
red or dark-brown urine
stomach pain
upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert