With certain medical conditions, especially thalassemia, and long-term blood donation, the iron levels in our body can increase unnecessarily. This excess iron can damage vital organs like the heart and liver. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Deferiprone to help remove this excess iron from your body. Today, let's talk about the things you need to be careful about while using this medication.
What is this Deferiprone?
Simply put, this medicine works by capturing the excess iron in your body and expelling it through your urine. It acts like a magnet that captures the excess iron in your body. This way, the excess iron is removed, preventing damage to your organs.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you about some things. It is very important that you give them all the correct information . It is especially important to tell them if you have any of the conditions below.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| If there is any type of infection | This medicine can sometimes reduce the number of white blood cells in the body that fight infection, so if you already have an infection, it may become worse. |
| If you have liver disease | Deferiprone is processed by the liver, so caution should be exercised when giving this medication to someone with liver problems. |
| If you have low blood counts | This means that if you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, this medicine can make the condition worse. |
| If you have allergies to this medicine or anything else | It is essential to inform your doctor if you have had a previous allergy to Deferiprone, any other medicine, or any food. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. |
| If the baby is breastfed | This is not recommended during breastfeeding, as the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day.
- You can take it before or after a meal. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue to use the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- This is very important: If you are taking other medications containing iron, aluminum, zinc, vitamins, or antacids for heartburn, do not take them at the same time as Deferiprone. You should definitely take these medications 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking Deferiprone .
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Deferiprone is a medication that can interact with some other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
- Antacids, vitamins or other products containing iron, aluminum, zinc
- Painkillers such as Diclofenac
- Other drugs that suppress immunity
- Herbal products such as milk thistle or silymarin
- Probenecid
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and herbal remedy you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things you should pay attention to when taking medication
You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will ask you to come in for checkups at regular intervals. They will also order things like blood work. Don't skip these. These tests are essential to know if the medication is working properly for you and if there are any side effects.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause serious side effects.
- Pregnancy and birth control: This is a very important issue.
- For women: You must use effective birth control while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine . You will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting the medicine.
- For men: If your partner is able to get pregnant, be sure to use a condom during sexual intercourse while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine .
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping the medicine .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Deferiprone can cause side effects in some people, some of which may require immediate medical attention.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness. |
| Low zinc level | Excessive fatigue, hair loss, loss of appetite, stomach upset, changes in taste or smell, and slow healing of wounds. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Change in urine color | Urine may turn dark yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is usually because iron is excreted in the urine, so there is no need to worry about it. |
| Other minor ailments | Headache, joint pain, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. |
How to take care of the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from moisture.
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never change the dose or stop taking the medicine on your own.
- If you are taking other medications or antacids containing iron, zinc, or aluminum, take them 4 hours before or after the Deferiprone pill.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, tell your doctor immediately.
- It is very important to prevent pregnancy. Use a reliable form of birth control while taking the pill and for a certain period of time after stopping (6 months for women, 3 months for men).
- If you have any concerns about this medicine, discuss it with your doctor.
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