What are the most serious side effects of deferiprone?

The most serious side effect of deferiprone is agranulocytosis, a severe drop in neutrophil white blood cells that can be life-threatening if not detected early. This occurs in approximately 1-2% of patients. Weekly blood count monitoring is mandatory during treatment. Other serious side effects include neutropenia (approximately 5% of patients) and liver enzyme elevations.

How often should blood tests be done while taking deferiprone?

Blood counts (complete blood count with differential) must be monitored weekly throughout treatment with deferiprone. More frequent monitoring, such as daily counts, may be required if the patient develops an infection or if neutrophil counts show a downward trend. Treatment must be interrupted if the absolute neutrophil count falls below 1.5 x 10^9/L.

Can deferiprone be taken with food?

Yes, deferiprone can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort. Avoid taking deferiprone at the same time as aluminium-based antacids, iron supplements, or zinc supplements, as these can reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

Can deferiprone be combined with deferoxamine?

Yes, combination therapy with deferiprone and deferoxamine (a subcutaneous or intravenous iron chelator) is sometimes used in patients with severe iron overload, particularly cardiac iron loading. Clinical studies have shown that combination therapy can be more effective than either agent alone at reducing cardiac iron and improving cardiac function. This should only be done under specialist supervision with careful monitoring.

What medical references support the use of deferiprone?

Deferiprone is supported by extensive clinical evidence including the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) Guidelines, European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessment reports, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Cochrane systematic reviews on iron chelation therapy, and British National Formulary (BNF) guidelines. Evidence level is 1A, based on systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials.

Deferiprone DOC: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Name: Deferiprone DOC: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Creator: iMedic Medical Editorial Team
Published: 2025-05-06T08:00:00+00:00

Oral iron chelating agent for the treatment of iron overload in thalassaemia major

Rx – Prescription Only Iron Chelating Agent 500 mg Film-Coated Tablet

Active Ingredient: Deferiprone
Available Strengths: 500 mg
Administration Route: Oral
Known Brands: Deferiprone DOC, Ferriprox

✓ Medically reviewed | Last reviewed: January 22, 2026 | Evidence level: 1A

Deferiprone DOC is an oral iron chelating medicine used to reduce excess iron in the body of patients with thalassaemia major who receive regular blood transfusions. It works by binding to iron and facilitating its removal through the kidneys. Deferiprone is listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and is typically prescribed when first-line therapy with deferoxamine is insufficient or cannot be tolerated.

📅 Published: May 6, 2025

🕒 Last reviewed: January 22, 2026

✓ Written and reviewed by iMedic Medical Editorial Team | Specialists in haematology and clinical pharmacology

Quick Facts About Deferiprone DOC

Active Ingredient

Deferiprone

Drug Class

Iron Chelator

Common Uses

Iron Overload

in thalassaemia major

Available Forms

500 mg Tablet

Film-coated

Prescription Status

Rx Only

Specialist prescription

Key Monitoring

Weekly CBC

Blood count mandatory

Key Takeaways About Deferiprone DOC

Deferiprone DOC is an oral iron chelator used to treat iron overload in patients with thalassaemia major who need regular blood transfusions.
Weekly blood count monitoring is mandatory because deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening drop in white blood cells.
The usual adult dose is 25 mg/kg body weight, taken three times daily, with a maximum of 100 mg/kg/day.
Deferiprone is particularly effective at removing iron from the heart, making it valuable for patients with cardiac iron overload.
Deferiprone is included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and is supported by Level 1A evidence from systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials.

What Is Deferiprone DOC and What Is It Used For?

Quick Answer: Deferiprone DOC is an oral iron chelating agent containing 500 mg of deferiprone per film-coated tablet. It is prescribed to reduce dangerous iron accumulation in patients with thalassaemia major who require chronic blood transfusions and for whom first-line chelation therapy with deferoxamine is inadequate or unsuitable.

Deferiprone belongs to the class of medicines known as iron chelating agents. These drugs work by binding to excess iron in the body and forming a stable complex that can be excreted through the urine. In patients with thalassaemia major — a severe inherited blood disorder that requires lifelong regular blood transfusions — iron gradually accumulates in vital organs because the human body has no efficient mechanism for excreting large amounts of iron.

Without iron chelation therapy, transfusion-dependent patients develop progressive iron overload that damages the heart, liver, and endocrine organs (including the pituitary gland, thyroid, and pancreas). Cardiac iron overload remains the leading cause of death in thalassaemia major, accounting for approximately 70% of mortality in this population. Deferiprone has demonstrated particular efficacy in removing iron from the myocardium (heart muscle), which gives it a distinct clinical advantage over some other chelators.

Deferiprone was the first oral iron chelator to be approved and represented a major advance over the traditional subcutaneous infusion of deferoxamine, which requires extended infusion times of 8–12 hours using a portable pump. The oral formulation significantly improves quality of life and treatment adherence. In clinical studies, deferiprone has shown superior cardiac iron removal compared to deferoxamine monotherapy, as measured by cardiac T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved deferiprone for the treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassaemia major when deferoxamine therapy is contraindicated or inadequate. It is also included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its importance in global health. In some treatment centres, deferiprone is used in combination with deferoxamine to provide more intensive chelation for patients with severe iron overload, particularly those with evidence of cardiac siderosis.

Mechanism of Action

Deferiprone is a bidentate (two-toothed) iron chelator, meaning each molecule binds to iron at two points. Three molecules of deferiprone are required to fully encapsulate one iron (Fe3+) ion, forming a 3:1 neutral complex. This complex is water-soluble and sufficiently small to be filtered by the kidneys, resulting in iron excretion primarily in the urine. The reddish-brown discolouration of urine often observed during treatment is due to the iron-deferiprone complex and is harmless.

Unlike deferoxamine (which is a hexadentate chelator), deferiprone's smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate cell membranes more readily, including cardiac myocytes. This property explains its superior ability to chelate intracellular iron and is the basis for its particular effectiveness against cardiac iron loading. Deferiprone also has the ability to transfer bound iron to deferoxamine (a process called "iron shuttling"), which provides the theoretical basis for combination therapy.

What Should You Know Before Taking Deferiprone DOC?

Quick Answer: Before starting deferiprone, your doctor must check your blood counts and liver function. You should not take deferiprone if you have a history of agranulocytosis or recurrent neutropenia. Weekly blood count monitoring is mandatory throughout treatment. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially other iron chelators, antacids, or zinc supplements.

Deferiprone is a powerful medication that requires careful monitoring and should only be prescribed and supervised by a haematologist or physician experienced in the management of thalassaemia and iron overload disorders. Before initiating treatment, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment including complete blood count with differential, liver function tests, serum ferritin levels, and ideally cardiac and hepatic iron assessment by MRI.

Contraindications

You must not take Deferiprone DOC if any of the following apply to you:

Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to deferiprone or any of the tablet excipients.
History of agranulocytosis: Patients who have previously experienced agranulocytosis (absolute neutrophil count below 0.5 × 10⁹/L) should not receive deferiprone again, as recurrence risk is high.
History of recurrent neutropenia: Repeated episodes of neutropenia (ANC below 1.5 × 10⁹/L) that are not related to the underlying condition.
Pregnancy: Deferiprone is teratogenic in animal studies and must not be used during pregnancy (see Pregnancy section below).

Warnings and Precautions

Critical Warning – Agranulocytosis Risk Deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis (severe neutropenia with ANC < 0.5 × 10⁹/L), a potentially fatal condition. Weekly monitoring of absolute neutrophil count is mandatory throughout treatment. Patients must be instructed to immediately report signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or mouth ulcers. Treatment must be stopped immediately if ANC falls below 1.5 × 10⁹/L.

Agranulocytosis has been reported in approximately 1–2% of patients treated with deferiprone in clinical trials. Neutropenia (ANC 1.0–1.5 × 10⁹/L) is more common, occurring in approximately 5% of patients. Both conditions are generally reversible upon discontinuation of the drug, but cases of fatal agranulocytosis have been reported in patients who did not have adequate monitoring.

Additional precautions and considerations include:

Liver function: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) have been reported. Liver function should be monitored monthly during the first year and quarterly thereafter. If persistent enzyme elevations occur, dose reduction or interruption may be necessary.
Zinc deficiency: Deferiprone can chelate zinc in addition to iron. Plasma zinc levels should be monitored periodically, and zinc supplementation may be required. However, zinc supplements should not be taken at the same time as deferiprone.
Renal impairment: Since deferiprone is primarily excreted renally, caution is advised in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Hepatitis C co-infection: Patients with thalassaemia and concurrent hepatitis C infection may have higher hepatic iron concentrations and may require closer liver monitoring.
Immune function: Do not combine deferiprone with other medicinal products known to cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis (e.g., clozapine, carbimazole, certain chemotherapy agents).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Deferiprone is contraindicated during pregnancy. Animal studies have demonstrated teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after discontinuation. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, deferiprone must be stopped immediately and the patient referred for specialist obstetric assessment.

It is not known whether deferiprone passes into human breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with deferiprone. The decision to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug should take into account the importance of the medicine for the mother and the potential risk to the infant.

Fertility Note Animal studies have shown effects on fertility at high doses. Both male and female patients of reproductive age should be counselled about potential fertility effects and contraceptive requirements before starting treatment.

How Does Deferiprone DOC Interact with Other Drugs?

Quick Answer: Deferiprone interacts with aluminium-based antacids, iron and zinc supplements (reduced absorption), vitamin C (may increase iron toxicity), and drugs that cause neutropenia. It should not be taken at the same time as polyvalent cation-containing medicines. Allow at least 4 hours between deferiprone and antacids or mineral supplements.

Drug interactions with deferiprone are clinically important because they can either reduce the effectiveness of iron chelation or increase the risk of toxicity. The most significant interactions involve compounds that contain metal ions (which can compete for binding with deferiprone) and medicines that affect bone marrow function. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Known Drug Interactions with Deferiprone DOC
Interacting Drug	Type	Effect	Recommendation
Aluminium-based antacids	Major	Reduced absorption of deferiprone due to chelation with aluminium ions	Separate by at least 4 hours
Iron supplements (oral)	Major	Defeats the purpose of chelation therapy; forms iron-deferiprone complex in the gut	Avoid concurrent use unless directed by specialist
Zinc supplements	Moderate	Deferiprone chelates zinc, reducing zinc levels; concurrent intake reduces absorption of both	Separate by at least 4 hours; monitor zinc levels
Vitamin C (high dose)	Moderate	Vitamin C increases iron absorption and mobilisation, potentially worsening iron toxicity in overloaded patients	Limit vitamin C to ≤200 mg/day; avoid in heart failure
Deferoxamine	Moderate	Additive chelation effect; may increase risk of overchelation and zinc depletion	Combination therapy under specialist supervision only
Clozapine, carbimazole	Major	Increased risk of agranulocytosis due to additive bone marrow suppression	Avoid concurrent use
UGT1A6 inhibitors (e.g., probenecid)	Moderate	May reduce glucuronidation of deferiprone, increasing plasma levels	Monitor for increased side effects

Major Interactions

The most clinically significant interactions involve drugs that increase the risk of agranulocytosis. Deferiprone should never be combined with clozapine, as both medicines carry a risk of severe neutropenia and the combination could be fatal. Similarly, anti-thyroid drugs such as carbimazole and propylthiouracil should be used with extreme caution, and alternatives should be considered. If no alternative is available, the frequency of blood count monitoring should be increased to at least twice weekly.

Aluminium-containing antacids form stable complexes with deferiprone in the gastrointestinal tract, which are not absorbed. This can substantially reduce the bioavailability of deferiprone. The same applies to magnesium-containing antacids and calcium carbonate supplements. If these medicines are required, they should be taken at least 4 hours apart from deferiprone.

Minor Interactions

Food does not significantly affect the overall absorption of deferiprone, although peak plasma concentration may be slightly reduced when taken with food. This reduction is not clinically meaningful, and deferiprone can be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Tea and coffee contain tannins that may theoretically bind to deferiprone, but this interaction has not been shown to be clinically relevant at normal consumption levels.

What Is the Correct Dosage of Deferiprone DOC?

Quick Answer: The standard adult dosage is 25 mg/kg body weight, taken three times daily (total daily dose 75 mg/kg). The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg/kg/day. Deferiprone should be prescribed and monitored exclusively by a physician experienced in thalassaemia management.

Deferiprone dosing is individualised based on body weight, serum ferritin levels, organ iron burden (assessed by MRI), and patient tolerance. The goal of therapy is to maintain serum ferritin levels in a safe range (typically 500–1,000 µg/L) while avoiding over-chelation, which can lead to iron deficiency and related complications.

Adults

Standard Adult Dosage

Usual dose: 25 mg/kg body weight, taken orally three times daily (total 75 mg/kg/day)

Maximum dose: 33 mg/kg three times daily (total 100 mg/kg/day)

Administration: Divide total daily dose into three approximately equal doses, taken morning, midday, and evening. Can be taken with or without food.

Deferiprone DOC Dosage by Body Weight (75 mg/kg/day)
Body Weight	Single Dose (3×/day)	Tablets per Dose	Total Daily Dose
40 kg	1,000 mg	2 tablets	3,000 mg (6 tablets)
50 kg	1,250 mg	2.5 tablets	3,750 mg (7.5 tablets)
60 kg	1,500 mg	3 tablets	4,500 mg (9 tablets)
70 kg	1,750 mg	3.5 tablets	5,250 mg (10.5 tablets)
80 kg	2,000 mg	4 tablets	6,000 mg (12 tablets)

Children

The safety and efficacy of deferiprone in children aged 6 years and older is supported by clinical data, although experience is more limited than in adults. The dosage in paediatric patients follows the same weight-based regimen as adults: 25 mg/kg three times daily (75 mg/kg/day), with the maximum dose of 100 mg/kg/day.

For children under 6 years of age, data is very limited and deferiprone should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the risk, under close specialist supervision. Growth and development should be monitored regularly in all paediatric patients receiving deferiprone, as iron chelation therapy can affect growth if ferritin levels are reduced too aggressively.

Elderly

There is limited experience with deferiprone in elderly patients (over 65 years), as thalassaemia major patients historically had reduced life expectancy. However, with improved iron chelation therapy, more patients are now reaching older age. No specific dose adjustments have been established for elderly patients, but renal function should be assessed before initiation and monitored during treatment, as age-related decline in renal function may affect deferiprone clearance.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Missing occasional doses is unlikely to have a significant clinical impact, but consistent adherence is important for effective iron chelation. If you frequently miss doses, discuss with your doctor whether a different chelation regimen might be more suitable.

Overdose

Overdose Warning Cases of overdose with deferiprone have been reported. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and signs of over-chelation (e.g., hypocalcaemia). There is no specific antidote. In the event of suspected overdose, contact emergency services or your local poison control centre immediately. Treatment is supportive, with monitoring of haematological parameters, liver and renal function, and electrolytes.

The risk of over-chelation (removing too much iron) is an important consideration, particularly in patients whose iron burden has been successfully reduced. Signs of over-chelation include fatigue, joint pain, and laboratory evidence of iron deficiency. Serum ferritin should be monitored regularly, and the dose should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if ferritin falls below 500 µg/L.

What Are the Side Effects of Deferiprone DOC?

Quick Answer: The most common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and reddish-brown discolouration of urine (harmless). The most serious side effect is agranulocytosis (severe drop in white blood cells), which occurs in 1–2% of patients and requires mandatory weekly blood monitoring. Joint pain (arthralgia) is also common and may affect up to 20% of patients.

Like all medicines, deferiprone can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effect profile of deferiprone has been well characterised through clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance spanning over two decades of clinical use. It is important to distinguish between common, generally manageable side effects and the rare but serious haematological complications that require immediate medical attention.

The reddish-brown discolouration of urine is expected and reflects the excretion of iron-deferiprone complexes by the kidneys. This is not harmful and should not cause alarm. Patients should be informed about this effect before starting treatment to prevent unnecessary concern.

Very Common (>1 in 10 patients)

Affects more than 10% of patients

Chromaturia (reddish-brown urine discolouration) – harmless, due to iron excretion
Nausea
Abdominal pain and discomfort

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 patients)

Affects 1–10% of patients

Arthralgia (joint pain) – may affect up to 20% in some studies; can affect large joints
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Increased appetite
Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count; ANC 1.0–1.5 × 10⁹/L)
Fatigue
Headache

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000 patients)

Affects 0.1–1% of patients

Agranulocytosis (ANC < 0.5 × 10⁹/L) – potentially life-threatening
Zinc deficiency
Skin rashes
Elevated serum creatinine

Rare (<1 in 1,000 patients)

Affects fewer than 0.1% of patients

Allergic reactions
Peripheral neuropathy (reported in post-marketing surveillance)
Cerebellar syndrome (very rare, associated with overchelation)
Hepatic failure (very rare)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate agranulocytosis or other serious complications:

Fever (temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F) – even a mild fever can be a sign of serious infection in neutropenic patients
Sore throat or mouth ulcers – early signs of agranulocytosis
Signs of infection – chills, malaise, painful urination, cough
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) – may indicate liver problems

Managing Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) are most common during the first weeks of treatment and often improve with time. Taking deferiprone with food can help reduce these symptoms. If nausea persists, your doctor may recommend temporary dose reduction or anti-emetic medication. Joint pain (arthralgia) typically resolves within a few weeks of treatment but may require analgesic therapy or dose adjustment in persistent cases.

How Should You Store Deferiprone DOC?

Quick Answer: Store Deferiprone DOC below 30°C in the original packaging to protect from moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Proper storage of deferiprone is important to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the medication. Film-coated tablets should be stored at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C (86°F). Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging or container until ready to use, as this protects them from moisture and light degradation.

Do not store in the bathroom or other humid environments. Do not freeze. If the tablets have changed colour, developed an unusual odour, or appear damaged, do not take them and consult your pharmacist. As with all medicines, keep Deferiprone DOC out of the reach and sight of children. This is particularly important as overdose in children can be especially dangerous.

Do not use Deferiprone DOC after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use, in accordance with local regulations. These measures help to protect the environment.

What Does Deferiprone DOC Contain?

Quick Answer: Each film-coated tablet contains 500 mg of deferiprone as the active substance. The tablets also contain common pharmaceutical excipients used in the film-coating and tablet core.

Each Deferiprone DOC 500 mg film-coated tablet contains:

Active substance: Deferiprone 500 mg

The tablet core and film-coating contain standard pharmaceutical excipients that are necessary for tablet manufacturing, stability, and palatability. These typically include:

Tablet core excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and croscarmellose sodium (or similar disintegrant)
Film-coating: Hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol/polyethylene glycol, and possibly iron oxide pigments for colouration

The film coating serves multiple purposes: it makes the tablet easier to swallow, masks the taste of the active ingredient, and provides a small measure of protection against moisture. Patients with known allergies to any of the excipients should inform their prescriber before starting treatment.

Appearance Deferiprone DOC 500 mg tablets are white to off-white, capsule-shaped (oblong) film-coated tablets. The tablets may be scored to facilitate dose adjustment. Each tablet is embossed or printed for identification purposes. Refer to the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for the exact appearance of your specific product.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deferiprone DOC

What is Deferiprone DOC used for?

Deferiprone DOC is an oral iron chelating agent used to treat iron overload in patients with thalassaemia major who require regular blood transfusions. The body cannot eliminate excess iron from transfused red blood cells, so iron gradually accumulates in organs such as the heart, liver, and endocrine glands. Deferiprone binds to this excess iron and facilitates its excretion through the urine. It is typically used when the first-line chelator deferoxamine is inadequate, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated.

Why does my urine turn reddish-brown when taking deferiprone?

The reddish-brown discolouration of urine is completely normal and harmless when taking deferiprone. It occurs because the iron-deferiprone complex, which forms when the drug binds to excess iron in your body, is excreted by the kidneys. The colour intensity may vary depending on how much iron is being removed. This discolouration actually indicates that the medicine is working. It is not blood in the urine. However, if you are uncertain, or if the colour appears darker than usual or is accompanied by pain, consult your doctor.

How often do I need blood tests while taking deferiprone?

You must have a complete blood count (CBC) with differential every week while taking deferiprone. This is mandatory and non-negotiable — it is the only way to detect early signs of neutropenia or agranulocytosis, which can be life-threatening. In addition, liver function tests should be performed monthly during the first year and quarterly thereafter. Serum ferritin is typically checked every 1–3 months to assess chelation efficacy. Zinc levels should be monitored periodically, as deferiprone can cause zinc depletion.

Can I take deferiprone with food?

Yes, deferiprone can be taken with or without food. Taking it with meals may reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort, which are particularly common in the first few weeks of treatment. However, avoid taking deferiprone at the same time as aluminium-containing antacids, iron supplements, zinc supplements, or calcium supplements, as these can bind to deferiprone and reduce its absorption. If you need these products, take them at least 4 hours apart from deferiprone.

Is deferiprone safe to use during pregnancy?

No, deferiprone is contraindicated during pregnancy. Animal studies have demonstrated teratogenic effects (birth defects) and embryotoxicity. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception throughout treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping deferiprone. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop it immediately and contact your doctor. Pregnancy planning should involve a discussion with your haematologist about alternative iron chelation strategies during pregnancy, as deferoxamine is generally considered safer in the second and third trimesters if chelation is essential.

Can deferiprone be used together with deferoxamine?

Yes, combination therapy with deferiprone and deferoxamine is an established treatment approach for patients with severe iron overload, especially those with significant cardiac iron loading. Clinical studies have demonstrated that this combination is more effective than either drug alone at reducing cardiac iron and improving cardiac function (measured by cardiac T2* MRI). The theoretical basis involves "iron shuttling" — deferiprone accesses intracellular iron and transfers it to deferoxamine in the plasma. However, combination therapy requires careful specialist supervision with enhanced monitoring, as the risk of zinc depletion and over-chelation is increased.

Medical References & Sources

Evidence Base: All information on this page is based on international medical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and regulatory agency assessments. Evidence level: 1A – systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF). Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia (TDT). 4th Edition, 2023.
European Medicines Agency (EMA). Deferiprone – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Last updated 2024.
World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
Fisher SA, Brunskill SJ, Doree C, et al. Oral deferiprone for iron chelation in people with thalassaemia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023.
British National Formulary (BNF). Deferiprone. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 2024.
Pennell DJ, Berdoukas V, Karagiorga M, et al. Randomized controlled trial of deferiprone or deferoxamine in beta-thalassemia major patients with asymptomatic myocardial siderosis. Blood. 2006;107(9):3738–3744.
Tanner MA, Galanello R, Dessi C, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of the effect of combined therapy with deferoxamine and deferiprone on myocardial iron in thalassemia major using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Circulation. 2007;115(14):1876–1884.
Maggio A, Filosa A, Vitrano A, et al. Iron chelation therapy in thalassemia major: a systematic review with meta-analyses of 1520 patients included in randomized clinical trials. Blood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases. 2011;47(3):166–175.
Cappellini MD, Cohen A, Porter J, Taher A, Viprakasit V, eds. Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia (TDT). 3rd Edition. Thalassaemia International Federation; 2014.
Hoffbrand AV, Taher A, Cappellini MD. How I treat transfusional iron overload. Blood. 2012;120(18):3657–3669.

About Our Medical Editorial Team

This article was written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising licensed specialist physicians in haematology, clinical pharmacology, and internal medicine. Our team follows international guidelines from the WHO, EMA, FDA, and TIF, and adheres to the GRADE evidence framework for assessing the quality of medical evidence.

Medical Writing

Authored by physicians with clinical experience in haematology, thalassaemia management, and iron chelation therapy. All medical claims are referenced to peer-reviewed sources.

Medical Review

Independently reviewed by the iMedic Medical Review Board to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to current clinical guidelines and evidence-based standards.

Last medical review: January 22, 2026 | Next scheduled review: July 22, 2026

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All content on iMedic is developed following strict editorial standards. We use only peer-reviewed sources, cite international guidelines, and ensure all medical claims meet Evidence Level 1A criteria. We have no commercial funding and no pharmaceutical company sponsorship. Read our full editorial policy.

Class	See drug class above
Form	See dosage section
Take with food?	See dosing instructions
Prescription required	Yes (in most regions)