Ferriprox: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Deferiprone (trade name Ferriprox) is a medication used to treat iron overload in patients with thalassemia major. Ferriprox is often indicated when traditional chelation therapy is contraindicated or ineffective.

1. What is the effect of Ferriprox?

Ferriprox is indicated for patients with a blood disorder called thalassemia - when there is too much iron in the body due to repeated blood transfusions. While blood transfusions help people with blood disorders, they also bring extra iron into the body. It is important to remove excess iron to avoid causing health problems, such as:
Heart failure Liver disease Diabetes Growth retardation in children. Deferiprone is often used if other traditional iron-chelating drugs are ineffective, and the patient continues to have high iron levels despite taking the medication. Deferiprone belongs to the group of iron chelators, which work by binding to iron, helping the body to excrete excess iron through the urine.

2. How to use Ferriprox

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking deferiprone and each time you receive a refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Take Ferriprox as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually with a frequency of 3 times / day (morning, noon and evening). Taking Ferriprox with food can help reduce feelings of sadness in people who are hypersensitive. If you are using liquid Ferriprox, read the Instructions for Use carefully. Carefully measure the dose with a measuring spoon/measuring tool. Do not use household spoon to ensure accuracy of dosage. After swallowing each dose, rinse the measuring device/measuring spoon with some water and drink the mixture. Take Ferriprox every 4 hours with products that can bind to the drug and decrease its effectiveness, such as:
Vitamin/mineral antacids (eg those containing iron, aluminum, zinc).

The specific dose of the drug is prescribed by the doctor depending on:
Health condition Weight Reaction to treatment (including test results). Your treatment regimen may be adjusted or stopped if you experience serious side effects. It is important for the patient to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, ensure the examination and test on the schedule.
To get the maximum benefit, you need to take this medicine regularly. Taking your medicine at the same times each day is an effective way to avoid missed doses.

3. Side effects when taking Ferriprox

Some side effects may occur as follows:
Nausea Vomiting Stomach or abdominal pain Joint pain. If these symptoms persist or get worse, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Ferriprox may cause urine to turn reddish brown. This is a harmless side effect and will go away when you stop taking the medicine.
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor has assessed that the benefit you receive from the treatment outweighs the risk of side effects. You can rest assured that there are still many people using Ferriprox without any serious side effects.
Serious allergic reactions to Ferriprox are very rare. However, get medical care right away if you notice serious symptoms, such as rash, itching or swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, bloody stools...
In case you still have these symptoms. other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist for help.

4. Caution when taking Ferriprox

Before taking Ferriprox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to deferiprone or any other allergic condition. This medicine may contain inactive ingredients, leading to allergic reactions or other problems.
You also need to tell the medical staff your medical history before being prescribed, especially liver disease and low white blood cell count. In rare cases, Ferriprox can cause a severe decrease in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of serious infection, and possibly even death. To reduce the risk of disease, the doctor will check the patient's blood count through blood tests and do it regularly during treatment. Get medical help right away if you have signs of infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, chills, or flu-like symptoms.
Before having surgery, your doctor or dentist needs to know all of the medications you are taking, including:
Prescription drugs Over-the-counter medicines Herbs. Pregnant women should only take Ferriprox when absolutely necessary to avoid the risk of harm to the fetus. The risks and benefits of treatment with Ferriprox should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start taking this medicine. Women taking Ferriprox should use safe forms of birth control during treatment and for up to 6 months after stopping treatment. Men using this drug should also cooperate with birth control during treatment and for up to 3 months after stopping treatment. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is not known whether deferiprone passes into breast milk. But because of the possible risk to the infant, women should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for up to 2 weeks after stopping treatment.

5. Some other notes when using Ferriprox

5.1. Drug interactions Drug interactions can change the way Ferriprox works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medications you are taking and share with your healthcare provider. Do not start, stop or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

5.2. Overdose and missed dose If you have overdosed and have severe symptoms such as passing out or having trouble breathing, call 911 right away. Other symptoms of an overdose of Ferriprox may include:
Vision problems Muscle weakness Unusual/slow movements. Conversely, if you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose when it is almost time for your next dose. Continue taking your medication as usual and do not need to double your dose to make up for it.
5.3. Storage Store Ferriprox at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. For liquid, store only in original packaging to protect from light. Only use within 35 days after opening the bottle for the first time. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Make sure to keep all medications away from both children and pets.
Finally, do not arbitrarily share Ferriprox with others. You should also have tests periodically - such as liver function tests, complete blood count, iron (ferritin) and zinc levels - to monitor progress or check for side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com