Ferriprox (Deferiprone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Ferriprox

Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) »

What is hereditary hemochromatosis?

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). It is a common genetic disorder among Caucasians in the United States, affecting approximately one in 240 to 300 Caucasians. Individuals affected with hereditary hemochromatosis may have no symptoms or signs (and have normal longevity), or they can have severe symptoms and signs of iron overload that include sexual dysfunction, heart failure, joint pains, liver cirrhosis , diabetes mellitus, fatigue, and darkening of skin.

The normal iron content of the body is three to four grams. The total amount of iron in the body is carefully controlled. The body loses one mg of iron daily from sweat and cells that are shed from the skin and the inner lining of the intestines. Women also lose one mg of iron daily on average from. In normal adults the intestines absorb one m...

Read the Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) article »

Ferriprox

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FERRIPROX®
(deferiprone)

WARNING

AGRANULOCYTOSIS/ NEUTROPENIA

Ferriprox can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting Ferriprox therapy and monitor the ANC weekly on therapy. Interrupt Ferriprox therapy if neutropenia develops. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Interrupt Ferriprox if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Advise patients taking Ferriprox to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ferriprox (deferiprone) tablets contain 500 mg deferiprone (3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4-one), a synthetic, orally active, iron-chelating agent. Deferiprone has the following structural formula: 11

FERRIPROX® (deferiprone) Structural Formula Illustration

Deferiprone is a white to pinkish-white crystalline powder. It is sparingly soluble in deionized water and has a melting point range of 272°C - 278°C.

Ferriprox tablets are white to off-white, capsule-shaped tablets, and imprinted with “APO” score “500” on one side and plain on the other. The tablets can be broken in half along the score. Each tablet contains 500 mg deferiprone and the following inactive ingredients: Tablet core -microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide; Coating - hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/4/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.