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DEFERIPRONE: 2,487 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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2,487
Total FAERS Reports
287 (11.5%)
Deaths Reported
923
Hospitalizations
2,487
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
58
Life-Threatening
23
Disabilities
Apr 20, 2018
FDA Approved
Chiesi USA, Inc.
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Iron Chelating Activity [MoA] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Chiesi USA, Inc. · FDA Application: 021825 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Oct 26, 2029 · First Report: 2000 · Latest Report: 20250822

What Are the Most Common DEFERIPRONE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Off label use
916 reports (36.8%)
#2 Most Reported
Death
190 reports (7.6%)
#3 Most Reported
Sickle cell anaemia with crisis
167 reports (6.7%)

All DEFERIPRONE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Off label use 916 36.8% 91 304
Death 190 7.6% 190 27
Sickle cell anaemia with crisis 167 6.7% 1 156
Nausea 135 5.4% 3 20
Agranulocytosis 126 5.1% 8 68
Vomiting 111 4.5% 3 24
Ill-defined disorder 106 4.3% 9 100
Fatigue 99 4.0% 1 22
Neutropenia 97 3.9% 3 26
Pyrexia 87 3.5% 7 53
Abdominal discomfort 83 3.3% 1 11
Prescribed overdose 83 3.3% 4 27
Arthralgia 76 3.1% 4 23
Diarrhoea 76 3.1% 2 26
Haemoglobin decreased 73 2.9% 1 45
White blood cell count decreased 67 2.7% 1 22
Treatment noncompliance 66 2.7% 0 24
Covid-19 63 2.5% 2 20
Pain 60 2.4% 3 39
Pneumonia 60 2.4% 8 53

Who Reports DEFERIPRONE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 57.4% female, 42.6% male. Average age: 41.7 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is DEFERIPRONE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 2 0 0
2001 1 0 0
2003 3 0 1
2005 1 0 0
2006 1 0 1
2007 2 1 1
2008 2 0 0
2009 4 0 1
2010 3 0 2
2011 3 0 1
2012 69 2 7
2013 47 0 5
2014 67 9 43
2015 100 10 53
2016 88 18 41
2017 62 11 34
2018 91 22 36
2019 108 14 52
2020 182 35 71
2021 335 38 118
2022 282 23 105
2023 142 14 34
2024 158 20 51
2025 62 5 27

View full timeline →

What Is DEFERIPRONE Used For?

IndicationReports
Haemochromatosis 1,537
Transfusion 745
Sickle cell disease 574
Red blood cell transfusion 442
Thalassaemia beta 389
Thalassaemia 331
Off label use 283
Iron overload 164
Myelodysplastic syndrome 162
Sickle cell anaemia 125

DEFERIPRONE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

DEFERIPRONE vs DEFEROXAMINE DEFERIPRONE vs DEFIBROTIDE DEFERIPRONE vs DEFLAZACORT DEFERIPRONE vs DEGARELIX DEFERIPRONE vs DELAFLOXACIN MEGLUMINE DEFERIPRONE vs DELAMANID DEFERIPRONE vs DELANDISTROGENE MOXEPARVOVEC-ROKL DEFERIPRONE vs DELAVIRDINE DEFERIPRONE vs DELORAZEPAM DEFERIPRONE vs DELTA.8-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL\HERBALS

Other Drugs in Same Class: Iron Chelating Activity [MoA]

Official FDA Label for DEFERIPRONE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

FERRIPROX Tablets (deferiprone) contain 1,000 mg deferiprone (3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4-one), a synthetic, orally active, iron-chelating agent. The molecular formula for deferiprone is C 7 H 9 NO 2 and its molecular weight is 139.15 g/mol. Deferiprone has the following structural formula: Deferiprone is a white to pinkish-white powder. It is sparingly soluble in deionized water (14.3 mg/mL) and has a melting point range of 272 °C - 278 °C.

Ferriprox

Tablets ( twice a day) , 1,000 mg White to off-white, capsule-shaped tablets, and imprinted with “FPX” score “DR” on one side and “APO” score “1000” on the other. The tablets can be broken in half along the score line. Each tablet contains 1,000 mg deferiprone and the following inactive ingredients: Tablet core - hypromellose acetate succinate, magnesium oxide, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate; Coating - triethyl citrate, talc, titanium dioxide, and methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer. FERRIPROX T ablets (three times a day) , 1,000 mg White to off-white, capsule-shaped tablets, and imprinted with “APO” score “1000” on one side and plain on the other. The tablets can be broken in half along the score line. Each tablet contains 1,000 mg deferiprone and the following inactive ingredients: Tablet core - methylcellulose, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate; Coating - hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, macrogol, and titanium dioxide. structural formula

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Deferiprone tablets are indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate. Limitations of Use:

  • Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or in patients with Diamond Blackfan anemia. Pediatric use information is approved for Chiesi USA, Inc.’s FERRIPROX ® (deferiprone) tablets. However, due to Chiesi USA, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Deferiprone tablets are an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or in patients with Diamond Blackfan anemia.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Deferiprone tablets are available in two formulations. A 1,000 mg formulation and a 500 mg formulation, which have different dosing regimens to achieve the same total daily dosage. ( 2.1 ) To prevent medication errors, before prescribing and dispensing, ensure that the tablet formulation is appropriate for the dosing regimen. Each tablet has distinct identifying characteristics. ( 2.1 , 3 ) Deferiprone tablets (three times a day), 1,000 mg: Starting oral dosage: 75 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in three divided doses ( 2.3 ) Maximum oral dosage: 99 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in three divided doses ( 2.3 ) Deferiprone tablets (three times a day), 500 mg: Starting oral dosage: 75 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in three divided doses ( 2.4 ) Maximum oral dosage: 99 mg/kg/day (actual body weight) in three divided doses ( 2.4 )

2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Deferiprone tablets are available in a 1,000 mg formulation and a 500 mg formulation, which have different oral dosing regimens to achieve the same total daily dosage. Deferiprone tablets (three times a day) - 1,000 mg - given three times a day <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]</span> Deferiprone tablets - 500 mg - given three times a day <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]</span> To prevent medication errors, before prescribing and dispensing, ensure that the tablet formulation is appropriate for the dosing regimen. Each tablet has distinct identifying characteristics <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3) ]</span>. For patients who have trouble swallowing tablets, consider the use of oral solution (see the prescribing information for oral solution). Monitoring for Safety Due to the risk of agranulocytosis, monitor ANC before and during deferiprone therapy. Test ANC prior to start of deferiprone therapy and monitor on the following schedule during treatment: First six months of therapy: Monitor ANC weekly; Next six months of therapy: Monitor ANC once every two weeks; After one year of therapy: Monitor ANC every two to four weeks (or at the patient&apos;s blood transfusion interval in patients that have not experienced an interruption due to any decrease in ANC <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> . Due to the risk of hepatic transaminase elevations, monitor ALT before and monthly during deferiprone therapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span> . Due to the risk of zinc deficiency, monitor zinc levels before and regularly during deferiprone therapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]</span> .

2.3 Recommended Dosage for 1,000 mg Deferiprone Tablets (three times a day) for Adult Patients with Transfusional Iron Overload due to Thalassemia Syndromes Starting Dosage for Three Times a Day Tablets The recommended starting oral dosage of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) is 75 mg/kg/day (actual body weight), in three divided doses per day.

Table

3 describes the number of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) needed to achieve the 75 mg/kg/day total starting dosage). Round dose to the nearest 500 mg (half-tablet).

Table

3: Number of Deferiprone 1,000 mg Tablets (three times a day) Needed to Achieve the Total Starting Daily Dosage of 75 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest half-tablet)

Body

Weight (kg)

Morning Midday Evening

20 0.5 0.5 0.5 30 1 0.5 1 40 1 1 1 50 1.5 1 1.5 60 1.5 1.5 1.5 70 2 1.5 2 80 2 2 2 90 2.5 2

2.5 To minimize gastrointestinal upset when first starting therapy, dosing can start at 45 mg/kg/day and increase weekly by 15 mg/kg/day increments until the full prescribed dose is achieved.

Dosage

Adjustments for Three Times Daily Tablets Tailor dosage adjustments for deferiprone tablets (three times a day) to the individual patient's response and therapeutic goals (maintenance or reduction of body iron burden). The maximum oral dosage is 99 mg/kg/day (actual body weight), in three divided doses per day.

Table

4 describes the number of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) needed to achieve the 99 mg/day total maximum daily dosage.

Table

4: Number of Deferiprone 1,000 mg Tablets (three times a day) Needed to Achieve the Maximum Total Daily Dosage of 99 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest half-tablet)

Body

Weight (kg)

Morning Midday Evening

20 0.5 0.5 1 30 1 1 1 40 1.5 1 1.5 50 1.5 1.5 2 60 2 2 2 70 2.5 2 2.5 80 2.5 2.5 3 90 3 3 3 Pediatric use information is approved for Chiesi USA, Inc.'s FERRIPROX® (deferiprone) tablets. However, due to Chiesi USA, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.4 Recommended Dosage for 500 mg Deferiprone Tablets (three times a day) for Adult Patients with Transfusional Iron Overload due to Thalassemia Syndromes Starting Dosage for Three Times a Day Tablets The recommended starting oral dosage of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) is 75 mg/kg/day (actual body weight), in three divided doses per day.

Table

5 describes the number of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) needed to achieve the 75 mg/kg/day total starting dosage. Round dose to the nearest 250 mg (half-tablet).

Table

5: Number of Deferiprone 500 mg Tablets (three times a day) Needed to Achieve the Total Starting Daily Dosage of 75 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet)

Body

Weight (kg)

Morning Midday Evening

20 1 1 1 30 1.5 1.5 1.5 40 2 2 2 50 2.5 2.5 2.5 60 3 3 3 70 3.5 3.5 3.5 80 4 4 4 90 4 4 4 To minimize gastrointestinal upset when first starting therapy, dosing can start at 45 mg/kg/day and increase weekly by 15 mg/kg/day increments until the full prescribed dose is achieved.

Dosage Adjustments

Tailor dosage adjustments for deferiprone tablets (three times a day) to the individual patient's response and therapeutic goals (maintenance or reduction of body iron burden). The maximum oral dosage is 99 mg/kg/day (actual body weight), in three divided doses per day.

Table

6 describes the number of deferiprone tablets (three times a day) needed to achieve the 99 mg/day total maximum daily dosage.

Table

6: Number of Deferiprone 500 mg Tablets (three times a day) Needed to Achieve the Maximum Total Daily Dosage of 99 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet)

Body

Weight (kg)

Morning Midday Evening

20 1.5 1 1.5 30 2 2 2 40 3 2 3 50 3.5 3 3.5 60 4 4 4 70 5 4.5 4.5 80 5.5 5 5.5 90 6 6 6 Pediatric use information is approved for Chiesi USA, Inc.'s FERRIPROX® (deferiprone) tablets. However, due to Chiesi USA, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.5 Monitoring Ferritin Levels to Assess Efficacy Monitor serum ferritin concentration every two to three months to assess the effect of deferiprone on body iron stores. If the serum ferritin is consistently below 500 mcg/L, consider temporarily interrupting deferiprone therapy until serum ferritin rises above 500 mcg/L.

2.6 Dosage Modification for Drug Interactions Allow at least a 4-hour interval between administration of deferiprone and other drugs or supplements containing polyvalent cations such as iron, aluminum, or zinc <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.2) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

Contraindications

Deferiprone tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deferiprone or to any of the excipients in the formulations. The following reactions have been reported in association with the administration of deferiprone: Henoch-Schönlein purpura; urticaria; and periorbital edema with skin rash [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Hypersensitivity to deferiprone or to any of the excipients in the formulations. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Agranulocytosis and Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]

Liver Enzyme

Elevations [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]

Zinc

Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common adverse reactions in patients with thalassemia (incidence ≥ 6%) are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, ALT increased and neutropenia. ( 6 ) The most common adverse reactions in patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias (incidence ≥6%) are pyrexia, abdominal pain, bone pain, headache, vomiting, pain in extremity, sickle cell anemia with crisis, back pain, ALT increased, AST increased, arthralgia, oropharyngeal pain, nasopharyngitis, neutrophil count decreased, cough and nausea. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Chiesi USA, Inc. at 1-888-661-9260 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Ferriprox

Tablets (twice a day) were evaluated in trials in healthy subjects.

Ferriprox

Tablets (twice a day) contain deferiprone, the same active ingredient as FERRIPROX Tablets (deferiprone) (three times a day) and FERRIPROX Oral Solution (deferiprone). The following adverse reaction information represents the pooled data collected from single arm or active-controlled clinical trials with FERRIPROX Tablets (deferiprone) (three times a day) or FERRIPROX Oral Solution (deferiprone).

Thalassemia Syndromes

The safety of FERRIPROX was evaluated in the pooled clinical trial database [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Patients received FERRIPROX Tablets (three times a day) or FERRIPROX Oral Solution . FERRIPROX was administered orally three times a day (total daily dose either 50, 75, or 99 mg/kg), N=642.

Among

642 patients receiving FERRIPROX, 492 (76.6%) were exposed for 6 months or longer and 365 (56.9%) were exposed for greater than one year. The median age of patients who received FERRIPROX was 19 years (range 1, 77 years); 50.2% female; 71.2% White, 17.8% Asian, 9.2% Unknown, 1.2% Multi-racial and 0.6% Black. The most serious adverse reaction reported in clinical trials with FERRIPROX was agranulocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] . The most common adverse reactions (≥6%) reported during clinical trials were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, alanine aminotransferase increased and neutropenia. The table below lists the adverse drug reactions that occurred in at least 1% of patients treated with FERRIPROX in clinical trials in patients with thalassemia syndromes.

Table

5: Adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 1% of FERRIPROX-treated patients with thalassemia syndromes Body System (N=642)

Adverse

Reaction % Patients BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS Neutropenia * 7 Agranulocytosis † 1 GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Nausea 13 Abdominal pain/discomfort 10 Vomiting 10 Diarrhea 3 Dyspepsia 2 INVESTIGATIONS Alanine aminotransferase increased 7 Weight increased 2 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 1 METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS Increased appetite 4 Decreased appetite 1 MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS Arthralgia 10 Back pain 2 Pain in extremity 2 Arthropathy 1 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Headache 2 * Neutropenia includes events of severe neutropenia (ANC ≥0.2 x 10 9 /L and <0.5 x 10 9 /L). †Agranulocytosis (ANC< 0.2 x 10 9 /L) Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain were the most frequent adverse reactions reported by patients participating in clinical trials and led to the discontinuation of FERRIPROX therapy in 1.6% of patients. Chromaturia (reddish/brown discoloration of the urine) is a result of the excretion of iron in the urine.

Sickle Cell

Disease or Other Anemias The safety of FERRIPROX compared to deferoxamine was evaluated in LA38-0411 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Patients received FERRIPROX Tablets or FERRIPROX Oral Solution orally three times a day (total daily dose 75-99 mg/kg/day) n=152) or the control arm, deferoxamine, 20-40 mg/kg/day (children) or 40-50 mg/kg/day (adults), by subcutaneous infusion for 5 – 7 days per week, n=76.

Among

152 patients receiving FERRIPROX, 120 (78.9%) were exposed for 6 months or longer and 17 (11.2%) were exposed for greater than one year. The median age of patients who received FERRIPROX was 15 years (range 3, 59 years); 54.6% male; 78.9% White, 15.1% Black and 5.9% Multi-racial. The most common adverse reactions (≥6%) reported during clinical trials in patients with SCD or other anemias were pyrexia, abdominal pain, bone pain, headache, vomiting, pain in extremity, sickle cell anemia with crisis, back pain, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased, arthralgia, oropharyngeal pain, nasopharyngitis, neutrophil count decreased, cough and nausea. The table below lists the adverse reactions (irrespective of a causal assessment; adverse events) of interest that occurred in patients treated with FERRIPROX in clinical trials in subjects with sickle cell disease or other anemias.

Table

6: Adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of FERRIPROX-treated patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias Body System Adverse Reaction FERRIPROX (N=152) % Patients DEFEROXAMINE (N=76) % Patients BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS Sickle cell anemia with crisis 17 13 GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Abdominal pain* 26 13 Vomiting 19 11 Nausea 7 9 Diarrhea 5 8 GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS Pyrexia 28 33 Pain 5 4 INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS Nasopharyngitis 9 12 Upper respiratory tract infection 5 3 INVESTIGATIONS Alanine aminotransferase increased 12 0 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 11 0 Neutrophil count decreased 8 4 MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS Bone pain 25 34 Pain in extremity 18 15 Back pain 13 18 Arthralgia 10 8 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Headache 20 13 RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS Oropharyngeal pain 10 15 Cough 8 15 *Grouped term Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <5% of patients include neutropenia and agranulocytosis.

Pediatric

Patients FERRIPROX has been studied in 86 pediatric patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias. Pediatric patients (<17 years) had an increase in the following adverse reactions as compared to adults: abdominal pain, neutrophil count decreased, bone pain and oropharyngeal pain.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving FERRIPROX. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: thrombocytosis, pancytopenia. Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure. Congenital, familial and genetic disorders: hypospadias. Eye disorders: diplopia, papilledema, retinal toxicity. Gastrointestinal disorders: enterocolitis, rectal hemorrhage, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, parotid gland enlargement. General disorders and administration site conditions: chills, edema peripheral, multi-organ failure. Hepatobiliary disorders: jaundice, hepatomegaly. Immune system disorders: anaphylactic shock, hypersensitivity. Infections and infestations: cryptococcal cutaneous infection, enteroviral encephalitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, sepsis, furuncle, infectious hepatitis, rash pustular, subcutaneous abscess. Investigations: blood bilirubin increased, blood creatinine phosphokinase increased. Metabolism and nutrition disorders: metabolic acidosis, dehydration. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myositis, chondropathy, trismus. Nervous system disorders: cerebellar syndrome, cerebral hemorrhage, convulsion, gait disturbance, intracranial pressure increased, psychomotor skills impaired, pyramidal tract syndrome, somnolence. Psychiatric disorders: bruxism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder. Renal disorders: glycosuria, hemoglobinuria. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: acute respiratory distress syndrome, epistaxis, hemoptysis, pulmonary embolism. Skin, subcutaneous tissue disorders: hyperhidrosis, periorbital edema, photosensitivity reaction, pruritis, urticaria, rash, Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Vascular disorders: hypotension, hypertension.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND NEUTROPENIA FERRIPROX can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX therapy and monitor regularly while on therapy. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Interrupt FERRIPROX therapy if neutropenia develops. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] WARNING: AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND NEUTROPENIA See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. FERRIPROX can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. ( 5.1 ) Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX and monitor regularly while on therapy. ( 5.1 ) Interrupt FERRIPROX therapy if neutropenia develops. ( 5.1 ) Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops and monitor the ANC more frequently. ( 5.1 ) Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. ( 5.1 )

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Liver Enzyme Elevations: Monitor monthly and discontinue for persistent elevations. ( 5.2 )

Zinc

Deficiency: Monitor during therapy and supplement for deficiency. ( 5.3 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Agranulocytosis and Neutropenia Fatal agranulocytosis can occur with FERRIPROX use. FERRIPROX can also cause neutropenia, which may foreshadow agranulocytosis. Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX therapy and monitor it regularly while on therapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]</span> . Reduction in the frequency of ANC monitoring should be considered on an individual patient basis, according to the health care provider’s assessment of the patient’s understanding of the risk minimization measures required during therapy. Interrupt FERRIPROX therapy if neutropenia develops (ANC &lt; 1.5 x 10 9 /L). Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops and monitor the ANC frequently. Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to immediately interrupt therapy and report to their physician if they experience any symptoms indicative of infection. The incidence of agranulocytosis was 1% of patients in pooled clinical trials of 642 patients with thalassemia syndromes and 0.5% of patients in pooled clinical trials of 196 patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias. The mechanism of FERRIPROX-associated agranulocytosis is unknown. Agranulocytosis and neutropenia usually resolve upon discontinuation of FERRIPROX, but there have been reports of agranulocytosis leading to death. Implement a plan to monitor for and to manage agranulocytosis and neutropenia prior to initiating FERRIPROX treatment. For agranulocytosis (ANC &lt; 0.2 x 10 9 /L) and severe neutropenia (0.2 x 10 9 /L ≤ ANC &lt; 0.5 x 10 9 /L): Consider hospitalization and other management as clinically appropriate. Do not resume FERRIPROX in patients who have developed agranulocytosis unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks. Do not rechallenge patients who have developed neutropenia with FERRIPROX unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks. For neutropenia (ANC &lt; 1.5 x 10 9 /L and ≥ 0.5 x 10 9 /L): Instruct the patient to immediately discontinue FERRIPROX and all other medications with a potential to cause neutropenia. Obtain a complete blood cell (CBC) count, including a white blood cell (WBC) count corrected for the presence of nucleated red blood cells, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and a platelet count daily until recovery (ANC ≥ 1.5 x 10 9 /L). 5. 2 Liver Enzyme Elevations In pooled clinical trials, 7.5% of 642 patients with thalassemia syndromes treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values. Four (0.62%) FERRIPROX-treated subjects discontinued the drug due to increased serum ALT levels and 1 (0.16%) due to an increase in both ALT and AST. In pooled clinical trials, 7.7% of 196 patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values. Monitor serum ALT values monthly during therapy with FERRIPROX and consider interruption of therapy if there is a persistent increase in the serum transaminase levels <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]</span> . 5. 3 Zinc Deficiency Decreased plasma zinc concentrations have been observed on FERRIPROX therapy. Monitor plasma zinc annually, and supplement in the event of a deficiency <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]</span> .

5.4 Embryo -F etal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and evidence of genotoxicity, FERRIPROX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The available data on the use of FERRIPROX in pregnant women are insufficient to inform risk. In animal studies, administration of deferiprone during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal death and malformations at doses lower than equivalent human clinical doses. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]</span> . Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least six months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least three months after the last dose [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ) ] .

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS

  • Drugs Associated with Neutropenia or Agranulocytosis: Avoid co-administration. If co-administration is unavoidable, closely monitor the absolute neutrophil count. ( 7.1 )
  • UGT1A6 Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration. ( 7.2 )
  • Polyvalent Cations: Allow at least a 4-hour interval between administration of deferiprone tablets and drugs or supplements containing polyvalent cations (e.g., iron, aluminum, or zinc). ( 2.2 , 7.2 )

7.1 Drugs Associated with Neutropenia or Agranulocytosis Avoid co-administration of deferiprone tablets with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis. If co-administration is unavoidable, closely monitor the absolute neutrophil count <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]</span> .

7.2 Effect of Other Drugs on Deferiprone Tablets UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs): Avoid use of UGT1A6 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle)) with deferiprone tablets <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .

Polyvalent

Cations: Deferiprone has the potential to bind polyvalent cations (e.g., iron, aluminum, and zinc); allow at least a 4-hour interval between deferiprone tablets and other medications (e.g., antacids), or supplements containing these polyvalent cations [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .