What Is Deferiprone?

Deferiprone binds to iron and removes it from the blood stream.

Deferiprone is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in people with certain hereditary red blood cell disorders (thalassemia syndrome).

Deferiprone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use deferiprone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.


You should not use deferiprone if you are allergic to it.

To make sure deferiprone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease; or
  • a weak immune system.


It is not known whether deferiprone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking deferiprone.

Deferiprone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Deferiprone Side Effects


Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with deferiprone.


  • fever, chills, body aches;
  • flu symptoms; or
  • sores in your mouth and throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • mild stomach pain;
  • joint pain; or
  • abnormal liver function tests.


Deferiprone Interactions

Avoid taking an antacid or mineral supplement within 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take deferiprone.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing milk thistle while you are taking deferiprone.

Do not use other iron chelating medicines such as deferasirox (Exjade) or deferoxamine (Desferal), unless your doctor has told you to.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.


Deferiprone Dosage


Deferiprone is usually taken 3 times per day. Take the first daily dose each morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening.

Take with food if deferiprone upsets your stomach. You may also take the medicine without food.


Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Deferiprone doses are based on weight, and any changes may affect the dose.

Deferiprone may cause your urine to turn a reddish-brown color. This side effect is usually not harmful. Call your doctor if you also have upper stomach pain, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes).

Deferiprone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood will need to be tested weekly while you are taking deferiprone. Your treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

