Ferriprox and/or Equivalents

Ferriprox

Ferriprox Description

Ferriprox is an oral medication primarily consisting of deferiprone. Deferiprone is a synthetic iron chelating agent. Each Ferriprox tablet contains about 500 mg of deferiprone. Deferiprone is a white-pinkish crystalline substance which is partly soluble in liquids. Ferriprox tablets are capsule shaped and white to off white in colour. Other inactive ingredients found in Ferriprox include – microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

Conditions Treated by Ferriprox

Ferriprox tablets are normally prescribed to patients suffering from iron overload. Iron overload is usually observed in patients suffering from Thalassemia. It isn’t necessary that every Thalassemic patient will be prescribed Ferriprox. Depending on a patient’s case history and illness, Ferriprox may be administered if the chelation therapy that the patient is undergoing proves to be inadequate. Thalassemic patients are always under strict observation and undergo regular tests. When doctors find increased iron content in their bodies, they are immediately prescribed iron chelating agents.

Ferriprox Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Ferriprox is usually administered daily. The recommended dosage is usually 25 mg, three times a day – a total of 75 mg per day. Depending on the seriousness of a patient’s condition, higher doses up to 33mg per dose may also be administered. Dosages vary depending on a patient’s response to treatment and other medical symptoms. If a patient does not seem to be getting better, doctors may increase the recommended dosage or change the medication. The maximum recommended dosage is usually 99mg per day. Higher dosages may result in further complications.

b.) Missing a dose

If you miss a dose it is important to inform your doctor immediately. Although patients may not experience any immediate physical difficulty after missing a dose, their iron levels may fluctuate resulting in health problems later. Minor symptoms like weakness, sudden changes in blood pressure, dizziness and drowsiness may occur if you miss a dose. When you realize that you have missed a dose, it is important to have a replacement tablet within the next few hours. However, if you realize that you have missed a dose when it is almost time for your next dose; do not take two tablets together. This may result in an overdose.

c.) Overdosing

No specific side effects have been observed with Ferriprox overdose. However, children may experience neurological disorders due to an overdose. These disorders include psychomotor slowdown, hand movements, axial hypotonia, lateral nystagmus etc. The disorders will subside when Ferriprox medication is discontinued. Ferriprox consumption may be resumed after a few days.

Ferriprox Warnings

Patients should be tested for allergies before administering Ferriprox. Certain ingredients in Ferriprox may react negatively in the body. An allergy test can determine if the medicine will suit a patient or not. Ferriprox may cause harm to a foetus or new born baby. It is therefore advisable to discontinue the medication if a patient becomes pregnant. Mothers of new born babies should not be administered Ferriprox. During treatment, women should be advised against getting pregnant. If women happen to get pregnant while on Ferriprox medication, then it is better to stop the medication completely. It has not been established whether there is any harm in administering Ferriprox to young children. It is advisable to use the medicine under strict observation in young patients. Elderly patients should be administered the drug with extreme caution. It is safer to administer lower quantities of the drug to elderly patients. Elderly patients should be under observation while on the medication. Patients may experience flu like symptoms like cold, cough, fever etc when they begin the medication. It is advisable to stop the medication if these symptoms persist. The amount of Ferriprox administered is based on an individual patient’s weight and severity of illness. Ferriprox should be taken with meals because it reduces the occurrence of nausea. If the medicine is prescribed three times a day, it is safer to have the medicine once in the morning, then afternoon and finally in the evening. Medicines react better in the body if consumed during the day. Discolouration of urine is common when patients are on Ferriprox medication. However if there is bleeding associated too then the medication should be discontinued. There should be a four hour gap between Ferriprox and any other medication, especially antacids. If patients experience severe palpitations, dizziness, light-headedness or seizures, immediate medical attention or hospitalization may be required.

Ferriprox Side Effects

Like most medicinal drugs, Ferriprox may also result in side effects. Some side effects may affect normal functioning of day to day activities while others may just be minor effects of the drug. In most cases, severe side effects are not seen in patients who are on Ferriprox medication. Side effects due to Ferriprox intake include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, neutropenia, increased alanine aminotransferase, chromaturia etc. Chromaturia is a common side effect of Ferriprox caused due to the excretion of excess iron into the urine. When a patient just begins Ferriprox treatment, minor side effects like diarrhoea, dyspepsia, increase in weight and appetite, decreased neutrophil count, metabolism disorders etc are common. Physical problems like back pain, joint pain, arthropathy, arthralgia, headache etc are also common. Sometimes, patients may suffer from gastrointestinal problems. If the symptoms persist, doctors may discontinue the medication temporarily. Slightly severe side effects of Ferriprox medication include blood and lymphatic disorders, cardiac disorders, genetic disorders, congenital disorders, eye disorders including pain, immune system disorders etc. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days then medical attention may be required. Depending on the severity of the side effect, doctors may decide to discontinue the medication. Other side effects of Ferriprox might also include psychological disturbances and changes in mood, renal disorders, respiratory disorders, skin and tissue disorders including hives and rashes, vascular disorders like hypertension.

Ferriprox Drug Interactions

Use of Ferriprox should be avoided if a patient is on neutropenia or agranulocytosis medication. Deferiprone, the main ingredient in Ferriprox is known to bind polyvalent cations like iron, aluminium and zinc. Ferriprox may interact with antacids.

If you have any questions about buying discount Ferriprox online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Ferriprox and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information