Iron overload in patients with thalassaemia.
Deferiprone is a chelating agent with an affinity for ferric ion (iron III). Deferiprone binds with ferric ions to form neutral 3:1 (deferiprone:iron) complexes that are stable over a wide range of pH values. Deferiprone has a lower binding affinity for other metals such as copper, aluminum and zinc than for iron.
Adult: 25 mg/kg tid. Doses >100 mg/kg daily are not recommended. Child: >6 yr: 25 mg/kg tid. May be taken with or without food.
The safety of concurrent use of Deferiprone and Vitamin C has not been formally studied. Based on the reported adverse interaction that can occur between deferoxamine and Vitamin C, caution should be used when administering concurrent Deferiprone and Vitamin C. It should not be given with aluminium containing antacids.
Agranulocytosis, pregnancy and lactation. Hepatic and renal impairment. Neutropenia, monitor neutrophil count wkly and discontinue treatment if neutropenia develops. Limited experience in children 6-10 yr.
Musculoskeletal and joint pain; GI disturbances; red-brown discoloration of urine; transient liver enzyme abnormalities; zinc deficiency; neutropenia and agranulocytosis.
Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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