Deferiprone
FERRIPROX
What it isOral iron chelator; transfusional iron overload.
Why this oneIt penetrates cells and removes CARDIAC iron better than the other chelators, which matters in thalassemia.
What limits itAgranulocytosis requires weekly neutrophil counts. Three-times-daily dosing; arthropathy.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfusional iron overload | Adults & peds | 75 mg/kg/day divided TID | 75 mg/kg/day TID | 99 mg/kg/day divided TID |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- 1,000 mg and 500 mg tablet formulations both dosed three times daily to same total daily dose — confirm formulation matches regimen to prevent errors.
- Monitor ANC before therapy, then weekly (first 6 mo), every 2 weeks (next 6 mo), every 2-4 weeks thereafter.
- For patients with difficulty swallowing, consider oral solution.
Cautions
- Agranulocytosis and neutropenia — can be fatal
- Liver enzyme (ALT) elevations
- Zinc deficiency
- Hypersensitivity (Henoch-Schonlein purpura, urticaria, periorbital edema with rash)
Adverse reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Arthralgia
- ALT increased
- Neutropenia
Pregnancy Animal structural abnormalities, embryo-fetal mortality; limited human data insufficient.
Lactation Breastfeeding not recommended during and for >=2 weeks after last dose.
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Agranulocytosis and neutropenia
Cost, est. cash$20–$2,000/month
Generic entry2019
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityAgent-specific cardiovascular, neurologic or metabolic toxicity requires monitored use in poisoning or overload.
Mechanism of action: Deferiprone ballicule
