Deferiprone

Deferiprone treats iron overload in certain patients. Can cause reddish/brown urine. It should be taken at least 4 hours apart from other medications such as aluminum containing antacids.

Deferiprone Overview

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Deferiprone is a prescription medication used to treat an overload of iron in the body. Deferiprone belongs to a group of drugs called iron chelators. These work by attaching to iron so that it can be removed from the body. 

This medication comes as an oral (by mouth) tablet and is usually taken 3 times a day. Deferiprone may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help with nausea that may be caused by deferiprone.

Common side effects of deferiprone include reddish-brown urine, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

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Deferiprone Cautionary Labels

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precautionsprecautionsprecautions

Uses of Deferiprone

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Deferiprone is a prescription medication used to treat an overload of iron in the body in people who have had a large number of blood transfusions due to a condition called thalessemia. Thalessemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes decreased numbers of red blood cells. Deferiprone should only be used when other treatments for removal of excess iron have not worked.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Deferiprone Brand Names

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Deferiprone may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Deferiprone Drug Class

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Deferiprone is part of the drug class:

Deferiprone FDA Warning

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Deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis.

Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting deferiprone therapy and monitor the ANC weekly on therapy. Interrupt deferiprone therapy if neutropenia develops.

Interrupt deferiprone if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently.

Advise patients taking deferiprone to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection.