Deferiprone (By mouth)

Introduction

Deferiprone (de-FER-i-prone)

Treats iron toxicity (too much iron in the blood). This medicine is an iron chelator (binder).

Brand Name(s)

Ferriprox

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take the first dose of this medicine in the morning, the second dose at midday, and the third dose in the evening with meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using silymarin (milk thistle) or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], furosemide, torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®).
• Do not take anything that contains aluminum, iron, or zinc within 4 hours before or after you take deferiprone. This includes antacids, multivitamins, and supplements.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
• Contact your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as dizziness, fainting, or fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. You are more likely to have changes in heart rhythm if you already have heart problems, such as QT prolongation, heart failure, slow heartbeat, or hypertrophy. Make sure your doctor knows if you already have low magnesium or potassium levels in your blood.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have any type of infection. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you start to have any signs of an infection, such as a cough, fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, or flu-like symptoms.
• This medicine may cause your urine to turn red or brownish in color. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Reddish or brown discoloration of the urine

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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