What is Ferriprox® (deferiprone)?
Ferriprox is a prescription medicine used to treat people with thalassemia syndromes who have iron overload from blood transfusions, when current iron removal (chelation) therapy does not work well enough.
It is not known if Ferriprox is safe and effective:
- to treat iron overload due to blood transfusions in people with any other type of anemia that is long lasting (chronic)
- in children
Important safety information
What is the most important information I should know about Ferriprox?
Ferriprox can cause serious side effects, including a very low white blood cell count. One type of white blood cell that is important for fighting infections is called a neutrophil. If your neutrophil count is low (neutropenia), you may be at risk of developing a serious infection that can lead to death. Neutropenia is common with Ferriprox and can become severe in some people. Severe neutropenia is known as agranulocytosis. If you develop agranulocytosis, you will be at risk of developing serious infections that can lead to death. Your healthcare provider should do a blood test before you start Ferriprox and weekly during treatment to check your neutrophil count. If you develop neutropenia, your healthcare provider should check your blood counts every day until your white blood cell count improves. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop treatment with Ferriprox if you develop neutropenia or infection.
Stop taking Ferriprox and get medical help right away if you develop any of these symptoms of infection:
- fever
- sore throat or mouth sores
- flu-like symptoms
- chills and severe shaking
Do not take Ferriprox if you are allergic to deferiprone or any of the ingredients in Ferriprox
Before you take Ferriprox, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have liver problems
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ferriprox can harm your unborn baby. You should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Ferriprox. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with Ferriprox.
Females who are able to become pregnant:
– Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Ferriprox.
– You should use effective birth control during treatment with Ferriprox and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
– You should use effective birth control during treatment with Ferriprox and for at least 3 months after the last dose. - Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ferriprox passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Ferriprox and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.