What you need to know about Deferiprone Oral Solution

Some of our brothers and sisters, especially those living with diseases like Thalassemia, have to undergo blood transfusions regularly. This is an indispensable part of their lives. However, when we continue to receive blood in this way, more iron can accumulate in our body than our body needs. Just like a water tank that is filled with water and continues to boil over when we continue to pour water. This excess iron can damage important organs like our heart and liver. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control this excess iron is called Deferiprone. Today, let's talk about this medicine.

Simply put, what is Deferiprone?

Deferiprone is a drug that helps your body absorb excess iron and excrete it through urine. Like an iron magnet, this drug attracts unwanted iron particles from your blood. This helps keep your body's iron levels within a safe range. This drug is commonly sold under the brand name Ferriprox. It comes as an oral solution.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.

• Current infection: Tell your doctor if you have any infections, such as fever, cough, cold, or sore throat, as this medicine can sometimes lower the number of white blood cells that help the body's immune system.
• Liver disease: This is very important if you have a pre-existing liver condition.
• Low blood cell count: If you have been diagnosed with low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood, please let us know.
• Allergies: Don't forget to tell us if you have any allergies to Deferiprone or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor. We will talk about this in more detail.

The correct way to use the medicine

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.

1. Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.

2. Accurate measurement: You will receive a special measuring cup with this medicine. Be sure to measure the medicine only with that. Do not use the teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. Because their measurements are not accurate.

3. Take the full dose: After taking the medicine, add a little water (about 10-15 ml) to the measuring cup, shake it well, and drink the water. This will help to dissolve any remaining medicine in the cup.

4. Before or after meals: You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach or discomfort, it is better to take it with food.

5. When taking with other medications: If you are taking antacids (liquids/tablets used for gastritis), vitamins containing iron, zinc, or aluminum, do not take them with this Deferiprone medication. You should take such things 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking Deferiprone .

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Anyone can forget. If you miss 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 for any reason.

Special considerations when taking this medicine

• Regular medical check-ups: After you start taking this medicine, your doctor will ask you to see him regularly and do blood tests. In particular, he will ask you to do a complete blood count at least once a week. This is because this medicine can rarely cause a very low white blood cell count (Agranulocytosis). These blood tests can identify if you are at risk.
• Change in urine color: It is quite normal for your urine to turn red or brown while taking this medication. This means that the medication is working and the excess iron is being excreted from your body. There is no need to worry about this.
• Pregnancy Warning: This is very important. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping the medication. If you are a man, avoid fathering a child while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping. This medication can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Deferiprone can cause some side effects. Some of these should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious.

What do you do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken an overdose, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

Medicine is something that needs to be handled with care.

• Keep out of reach of children: Keep out of reach of small children and pets.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). It is best to keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in.
• Expiration: Discard any remaining medicine 35 days after opening the bottle.
• Disposal method: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unused, expired medications. If it is appropriate to throw them in the trash, remove the liquid medicine from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, and place it in a tightly sealed plastic bag and discard.

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