Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Deferiprone, dose level 3

Deferiprone chelates iron, reducing its accumulation in tissues.

Deferiprone chelates iron, reducing its accumulation in tissues. Used for Treatment of beta-thalassemia major, Treatment of other iron overload conditions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Deferiprone is an iron chelator that binds to iron ions, forming a stable complex that is excreted from the body. This mechanism helps to reduce the accumulation of iron in tissues, particularly in the liver and heart, which can be beneficial for patients with iron overload conditions.

Approved indications

• Treatment of beta-thalassemia major
• Treatment of other iron overload conditions

Common side effects

• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Hepatotoxicity
• Bone marrow suppression

Key clinical trials

• Combination of Thalidomide and Hydroxyuria in Transfusion Dependent Thalasemmia (PHASE2)
• The Effectiveness of the Letrozole-induced Endometrial Preparation Protocol in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FET) (NA)
• Efficacy and Safety of Ferriprox® in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease or Other Anemias (PHASE4)
• A Pilot of the Feasibility of Using the Iron-Chelator Deferiprone on Mild Cognitive Impairment (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Amlodipine for Myocardial Iron in Thalassemia (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Pharmacokinetic Study of Deferiprone in Paediatric Patients (PHASE2)
• An Algorithm to Start Iron Chelation in Minimally Transfused Young Beta-thalassemia Major Patients (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• A Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single Doses of Intravenous Deferiprone in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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