Deferiprone binds to iron and removes it from the bloodstream.

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.

Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women should keep using birth control for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should keep using birth control for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, skin sores, or sores in your mouth and throat.

Deferiprone comes as a tablet and as an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times daily. Deferiprone may be taken with or without food, but taking it with meals may help to prevent nausea and vomiting 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.

Use the measuring cup provided with the solution to measure your dose. Add your dose to the provided measuring cup and drink it. Then, add 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 mL) of water to the measuring cup, gently swirl it around to mix the water with any remaining medication in the cup, and drink the mixture. Hand wash the measuring cup with water after use.

Your doctor may adjust your dose of deferiprone every 2 to 3 months depending on your laboratory test results.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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.

Measure liquid medicine (oral solution) carefully. Use only the dose-measuring cup provided with the oral solution. Drink all of the medicine in the measuring cup. Then add about 1 tablespoon of water to the cup, swirl gently and drink. Hand-wash the measuring cup after each use.

Take with food if deferiprone upsets your stomach.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.

Deferiprone doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Store deferiprone tablets or liquid in the original container at room temperature. Protect from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away any liquid medicine not used within 35 days after you first opened the bottle.

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or

• a weak immune system.

It is not known whether deferiprone will harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.

• If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using deferiprone.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

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

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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 light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). After first opening the oral solution bottle, discard it and any unused oral solution after 35 days.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with deferiprone. Stop using deferiprone and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, body aches;

• flu symptoms;

• skin sores; or

• sores in your mouth and throat.

Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up.

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).

Common side effects of deferiprone may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• infections;

• joint pain; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you take any of the following medicines, take your deferiprone dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine:

• an antiacid that contains aluminum;

• a medicine or supplement that contains iron (including ferric citrate, Feosol, Fergon, Ferrocite, Hemocyte, and others; or

• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing milk thistle.

Other drugs may affect deferiprone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order lab tests to check your body's response to deferiprone.

Your urine may turn a red or brown color; this effect is common and not harmful.

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.