Deferiprone

Uses	Iron overload
Therapy	Chelating Agent
Side Effects	Low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis and neutropenia), headache, diarrhoea, increase in liver enzymes, fatigue, increase in appetite

100% Authentic
Medicines

Cash on delivery
available

Delivery across
19k pincodes

Molecule Description

Deferiprone is a medicine that helps lower excess iron levels in your body. When you receive frequent blood transfusions, extra iron can slowly build up and harm important organs like the liver and heart. It is prescribed when your body is unable to remove this excess iron on its own. It is commonly recommended for conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other long-term blood disorders that require repeated transfusions. Always take it under medical supervision and follow your doctor's advice closely. Deferiprone works by binding to the extra iron present in your body. Once attached, the iron is removed naturally through urine. You may notice your urine turning reddish-brown while taking this medicine, which is expected and shows that the excess iron is being cleared. By reducing iron overload, Deferiprone helps protect your organs from long-term damage. Regular blood tests are important during treatment to make sure the medicine is working safely. You should take Deferiprone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is preferably taken with food to reduce stomach discomfort. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. Do not change the dose, stop, or restart the medicine on your own. If you are taking supplements or antacids containing iron, zinc, or aluminium, keep a gap of at least four hours and inform your doctor. Some side effects may occur while taking Deferiprone. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, and changes in liver test results. In some cases, it may lower your white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, sore throat, or any signs of infection. Your doctor may adjust the dose or stop the medicine if needed to keep you safe.

Uses

Deferiprone is used to treat iron overload.

Contraindications

When should one not use Deferiprone

If you are allergic to deferiprone or any of the ingredients in Deferiprone
If you have ever developed severe low white blood cell counts (such as agranulocytosis) while taking this medicine earlier
If you have had repeated episodes of low neutrophil counts linked to deferiprone use
If you are unable to undergo regular blood tests, which are essential while taking this medicine
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, unless your doctor clearly advises it
If you are breastfeeding, as this medicine may pass into breast milk
If you are taking medicines that can severely reduce white blood cell counts, unless your doctor closely monitors you

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Some common side effects you may notice include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, tiredness, increased appetite and changes in liver test results. It may also lower your white blood cell count (neutropenia or agranulocytosis), which can increase the risk of infection.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Deferiprone may harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to avoid this medicine or suggest effective contraception during treatment.

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Deferiprone and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. This is because the medicine may pass into breast milk. Always consult your doctor for safe alternatives.

Driving

Deferiprone usually does not affect your ability to drive. However, if you feel dizzy, tired, or unwell after taking it, avoid driving or operating machinery and speak to your doctor.

Alcohol

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Deferiprone. Alcohol may interfere with how the medicine works. Consult your doctor if you have questions about alcohol use during treatment.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have kidney disease, have had a kidney transplant, or have liver disease
You develop fever, sore throat, or signs of infection while taking Deferiprone
You are unable to attend regular blood tests required during treatment
You notice unusual tiredness, weakness, or frequent infections
You experience severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or loss of appetite
You have a history of low white blood cell counts
You are taking medicines that may lower white blood cell levels
You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or not using effective contraception
You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
You notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, other than expected colour changes

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Deferiprone works by attaching to extra iron present in your body. Once bound, the iron-medicine complex is removed through urine, reducing iron buildup over time.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Supplements or antacids containing iron, zinc or aluminium: keep a gap of at least four hours between them and Deferiprone
Medicines that can severely reduce white blood cell counts: use only if your doctor closely monitors you
Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take

Interactions with food items

Deferiprone is preferably taken with food to reduce stomach discomfort.

Dosage

Overdose

Taking too much may cause symptoms like dizziness or coordination problems. Contact your doctor or visit a medical facility immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Deferiprone is used to remove excess iron from your body. This usually happens when you receive frequent blood transfusions. Too much iron can harm organs like the liver and heart if not treated in time.

Yes, a reddish-brown colour in your urine is normal while taking Deferiprone. This shows that excess iron is being removed from your body. It is harmless and does not require stopping the medicine unless your doctor advises otherwise.

The duration depends on your iron levels and how your body responds to treatment. Some people may need it for a long time. Your doctor will decide this based on regular blood test results.

If you develop fever, sore throat, or feel unusually weak, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine can sometimes reduce white blood cells, which may increase the risk of infections. Early medical advice is important.

Some supplements or antacids containing iron, zinc, or aluminium may interfere with this medicine. Keep at least a 4-hour gap and always inform your doctor about everything you take to avoid unwanted interactions.

Articles

View All

Did you find this helpful?

References:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

CODAvailable

100%Genuine Medicine

30 DAYReturn Policy

Making medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India

700+100% Genuine & verified medicines

70,000+Medicine orders everyday

70 MillionTotal customer served

70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre

7000Trained & trusted delivery partners