Prescription medicine
Deferiprone Brand names: Ferriprox
Deferiprone (Ferriprox) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 2011. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 4 generic labelers.
- Generic listed
- A presentation discontinued
- Boxed warning
Check it at the source: the deferiprone FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 1, 2025, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.); the NDA 21825 record on Drugs@FDA; every deferiprone label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of May 1, 2025; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026
AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND NEUTROPENIA •.
Deferiprone tablets can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting deferiprone tablets therapy and monitor regularly while on therapy.
Interrupt deferiprone tablets therapy if neutropenia develops. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
Interrupt deferiprone tablets if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
Advise patients taking deferiprone tablets to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] WARNING: AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND NEUTROPENIA See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Deferiprone tablets can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. ( 5.1 )
Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting deferiprone tablets and monitor regularly while on therapy. ( 5.1 )
Interrupt deferiprone tablets therapy if neutropenia develops. ( 5.1 )
Interrupt deferiprone tablets if infection develops and monitor the ANC more frequently. […]
Used for
From the label: indications and usageDeferiprone tablets are indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate.
Forms and strengths
- 500 mg
- 1000 mg
- 100 mg/ml
Tablet; coated tablet; film-coated tablet; solution.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 14, 2011 Ferriprox, Chiesi; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 3 first February 8, 2019; 3 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 5 of which 4 under generic applications, 1 under brand applications, repackagers included
- Last listed patent
- October 26, 2029 Ferriprox oral solution; not a generic launch date
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- Not in the survey
- Shortage (FDA)
- None current 1 past records
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- No recall recorded
- FAERS reports
- 3,004 through July 30, 2026
What is deferiprone used for?
From the label: indications and usageDeferiprone tablets are indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult patients with thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate. Limitations of Use:
Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or in patients with Diamond Blackfan anemia. Pediatric use information is approved for Chiesi USA, Inc.’s FERRIPROX ® (deferiprone) tablets. However, due to Chiesi USA, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. […]
FDA pharmacologic class: Iron Chelator.
Source: FDA drug label (Deferiprone), Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., effective May 1, 2025 (SPL set d7ea0a84-c328-4636-8cd6-ad75f2074b22), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the patient leaflet for deferiprone say first?
The FDA-approved Medication Guide or Patient Information that comes with the medicine, in its own words.
From the patient leaflet: What is the most important information I should know about deferiprone tablets?Deferiprone tablets can cause serious side effects, including a very low white blood cell count. One type of white blood cell that is important for fighting infections is called a neutrophil. If your neutrophil count is low (neutropenia), you may be at risk of developing a serious infection that can lead to death. Neutropenia is common with deferiprone tablets and can become severe in some people. Severe neutropenia is known as agranulocytosis. If you develop agranulocytosis, you will be at risk of developing serious infections that can lead to death. Your healthcare provider will do a blood test before you start deferiprone tablets and regularly during treatment to check your neutrophil count. If you develop neutropenia, your healthcare provider should check your blood counts every day until your white blood cell count improves. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop treatment with deferiprone tablets if you develop neutropenia or infection. Stop taking deferiprone tablets and call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you develop any of these symptoms of infection: • fever • sore throat or mouth sores • flu-like symptoms • chills and severe shaking It is important for you to have your white blood cell count checked within 24 hours of developing symptoms of an infection to see if you have severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis). Do not delay getting medical care if you are unable to reach your healthcare provider. See “What are the possible side effects of deferiprone tablets?” for more information about side effects.
From the patient leaflet: How should I store deferiprone tablets?Deferiprone Tablets, 500 mg (3 times each day) • Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep deferiprone tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Source: FDA drug label (Deferiprone), Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., effective May 1, 2025 (SPL set d7ea0a84-c328-4636-8cd6-ad75f2074b22), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for deferiprone (Ferriprox)?
The FDA approved the first generic deferiprone on February 8, 2019. 3 generic applications are approved; 3 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.
FDA's NDC Directory lists deferiprone from 4 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 1 brand labeler. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
The Orange Book lists 1 patent for Ferriprox oral solution, the last expiring on October 26, 2029; a patent listed only for Ferriprox tablets runs to October 25, 2038. A patent or exclusivity date is not the date a generic goes on sale: court cases and settlements move it either way.
- 2011 earliest approval on file
- 2019 first generic approved
- 2029 last listed patent
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
Is deferiprone in shortage?
No deferiprone presentation is listed as in shortage in the FDA Drug Shortage Database (read October 8, 2026); its 1 record is all marked to be discontinued, the latest updated November 7, 2025. ASHP keeps a separate shortage list, which can differ.
| Presentation | Company | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferriprox, Tablet, 500 mg (NDC 10122-100-10) | Chiesi USA, Inc. | To Be Discontinued | November 7, 2025 |
Source: FDA Drug Shortage Database via openFDA, updated October 8, 2026
What does the deferiprone label say about other medicines?
The deferiprone label names 2 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Diclofenac | drug interactions | Drugs on Deferiprone Tablets UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs): Avoid use of UGT1A6 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle)) with deferiprone tablets [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. |
| Probenecid | drug interactions | Drugs on Deferiprone Tablets UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs): Avoid use of UGT1A6 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle)) with deferiprone tablets [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. |
Source: FDA drug label (Deferiprone), Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., effective May 1, 2025 (SPL set d7ea0a84-c328-4636-8cd6-ad75f2074b22), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for deferiprone?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 3,004 reports that list deferiprone among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 371 are coded as a death and 1,193 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What next?
- Other iron chelators
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Deferiprone side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Deferiprone shortage record
- every presentation, company and date
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other