DEFERIPRONE - ORAL

DEFERIPRONE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (de-FER-i-prone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ferriprox

GENERIC NAME(S): deferiprone

Uses

USES: This medication is used by people with a certain type of blood disorder (thalassemia) who have too much iron in the body, caused by repeated blood transfusions. Blood transfusions help people with blood disorders but they also bring extra iron into the body. It is important to get rid of the extra iron because high levels of iron can cause health problems (such as heart failure, liver disease, diabetes, delayed growth in children). Deferiprone is used if you have trouble taking other traditional iron-removal medications or you continue to have high iron levels after taking other iron-removal medications. Deferiprone belongs to a class of drugs known as iron chelators. It works by attaching to iron which helps your body pass the extra iron out in the urine.


How to use DEFERIPRONE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking deferiprone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day (morning, midday, and evening). Taking this medication with food may help lessen nausea. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, also read the Patient Instructions for Use. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. After you swallow each dose, mix some water in the measuring device/spoon and drink the mixture. Take this medication 4 hours apart from products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take. Some examples include antacids, vitamins/minerals (such as those containing iron, aluminum, zinc), among others. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment (including laboratory test results). Your treatment may need to be adjusted or stopped if you develop serious side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Keep all medical/laboratory appointments. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning and How To Use sections. Nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may cause your urine to turn a reddish-brown color. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, bloody stools. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking deferiprone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, low white blood cell count. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if deferiprone passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How To Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vision problems, weak muscles, unusual/slowed movements.

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Faq for DEFERIPRONE - ORAL

Deferiprone is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as iron chelators. It is used to remove excess iron from the body in patients with certain genetic blood disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease.

Deferiprone works by binding to excess iron in the body, forming a stable compound that can be excreted through urine and feces. This helps to reduce iron overload and its associated complications.

The common side effects of Deferiprone include nausea, vomiting, joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and increased liver enzyme levels. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking this medication.

Deferiprone is usually taken orally, typically two or three times a day. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take the medication exactly as prescribed. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.

Deferiprone may interact with certain medications, including antacids, anticoagulants, zinc supplements, and certain antibiotics. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid any potential interactions.

The effectiveness of Deferiprone varies from person to person, and it may take several months to see a significant reduction in iron levels. Regular monitoring of iron levels and other related parameters is important to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is essential to undergo regular blood and urine tests to monitor iron levels and check for any potential side effects. Deferiprone may also cause neutropenia (low white blood cell counts), so regular blood cell count monitoring is necessary. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of Deferiprone with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.


Warning

WARNING: This medication may rarely cause a very serious low white blood cell count, which increases your risk of serious, possibly fatal infections. To lower your risk, your doctor will check your blood counts with a blood test before and regularly during treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, chills, or flu-like symptoms.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.