Ferriprox (Oral Solution)

Generic name: Deferiprone Oral Solution [ de-FER-i-prone ]
Brand name: Ferriprox
Drug classes: Antidotes, Chelating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 8, 2023.

Uses of Ferriprox:

• It is used to get rid of iron when too much is in the body.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ferriprox?

• If you have an allergy to deferiprone or any other part of Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution).
• If you are allergic to Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution); any part of Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle).
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ferriprox?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to take zinc while you take Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution). Talk with your doctor.
• Do not take antacids, foods, multivitamins, or other products that have aluminum, iron, or zinc within 4 hours before or 4 hours after this drug.
• If you are a man and have sex with a female who could get pregnant, protect her from pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man and your sex partner gets pregnant while you take Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) or within 3 months after your last dose, call your doctor right away.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• If you are able to get pregnant, a pregnancy test will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution). Talk with your doctor.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) and for 6 months after stopping Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution).
• If you get pregnant while taking Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) or within 6 months after your last dose, call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Ferriprox) best taken?

Use Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution).
• After taking your dose, rinse the measuring device with water and drink.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Purple spots or redness of the skin.

What are some other side effects of Ferriprox?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Joint pain.
• Stomach pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Change in color of urine to red or brown.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ferriprox?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in original container.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• Throw away any part not used 8 weeks after opening.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution) is refilled. If you have any questions about Ferriprox (deferiprone oral solution), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer