Deferiprone may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells made by your bone marrow. White blood cells help your body fight infection, so if you have a low number of white blood cells, there is a higher risk that you will develop a serious or life-threatening infection. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, because taking certain other medications along with deferiprone may increase the risk that your white blood cell count will decrease. If you experience any of the following symptoms of infection, stop taking deferiprone and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help: fever, sore throat, mouth sores, flu-like symptoms, chills, or severe shaking.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests, including tests to check your white blood cell count before your treatment and at least once weekly during your treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with deferiprone and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ( Web Site) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Talk to your doctor about the risk(s) of taking deferiprone.
Deferiprone is used to remove excess iron in the body in people who have received a large number of blood transfusions to treat thalassemia (an inherited condition that causes a low number of red blood cells) and who have not benefitted enough from other treatments for excess iron. Deferiprone is in a class of medications called iron chelators. It works by attaching to iron in the body so that it can be excreted (removed from the body).
Deferiprone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day, in the morning, at mid-day, and in the evening. Deferiprone may be taken with or without food, but taking it with meals may help to prevent nausea that may be caused by the medication. Take deferiprone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take deferiprone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If your dose includes half of a tablet, split a tablet carefully on the score mark.
Your doctor may adjust your dose of deferiprone every 2 to 3 months depending on your laboratory test results.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking deferiprone,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Deferiprone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Deferiprone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order lab tests to check your body's response to deferiprone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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