Ferriprox

• Generic Name: deferiprone
• Brand Name: Ferriprox

side effects drug center ferriprox (deferiprone) drug

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PROFESSIONAL

CONSUMER

SIDE EFFECTS

Contents

• Drug Description
• Indications & Dosage
• Side Effects & Drug Interactions
• Warnings & Precautions
• Overdosage & Contraindications
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Medication Guide

Drug Description

What is Ferriprox and how is it used?

Ferriprox is a prescription medicine used to treat people with thalassemia syndromes who have iron overload from blood transfusions, when current iron removal (chelation) therapy does not work well enough.

It is not known if Ferriprox is safe and effective:

• to treat iron overload due to blood transfusions in people with any other type of anemia that is long lasting (chronic)
• in children

Who should not take Ferriprox?

Do not take Ferriprox if you are allergic to deferiprone or any of the ingredients in Ferriprox. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Ferriprox.

Before you take Ferriprox, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have liver problems
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ferriprox can harm your unborn baby. You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Ferriprox. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Ferriprox.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ferriprox passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take Ferriprox or breastfeed. You should not do both.

FERRIPROX®
(deferiprone) oral solution, for oral use

WARNING

AGRANULOCYTOSIS/NEUTROPENIA

• FERRIPROX can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX therapy and monitor the ANC weekly on therapy. Interrupt FERRIPROX therapy if neutropenia develops. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

 

DESCRIPTION

FERRIPROX (deferiprone) oral solution contains 100 mg/mL deferiprone (3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4-one), a synthetic, orally active, iron-chelating agent. The molecular formula for deferiprone is C₇H₉NO₂ and its molecular weight is 139.15 g/mol. Deferiprone has the following structural formula:

Deferiprone is a white to pinkish-white powder. It is sparingly soluble in deionized water and has a melting point range of 272°C - 278°C.

FERRIPROX oral solution is a clear, reddish orange colored solution. Each mL of oral solution contains 100 mg deferiprone and the following inactive ingredients: purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, glycerin, hydrochloric acid, artificial cherry flavor, peppermint oil, FD&C Yellow No. 6 and sucralose.

 

Indications & Dosage

INDICATIONS

Transfusional Iron Overload In Patients With Thalassemia Syndromes

FERRIPROX Tablets are indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult and pediatric patients 8 years of age and older with thalassemia syndromes.

Transfusional Iron Overload In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Or Other Anemias

FERRIPROX Tablets are indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult and pediatric patients 8 years of age and older with sickle cell disease or other anemias.

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.

 

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Recommended Dosage For FERRIPROX Tablets For Adult And Pediatric Patients With Transfusional Iron Overload Due To Thalassemia Syndromes, Sickle Cell Disease Or Other Anemias

Starting Dosage

The recommended starting oral dosage of FERRIPROX Tablets is 25 mg/kg (actual body weight), three times per day for a total of 75 mg/kg/day. Round dose to the nearest 250 mg (half-tablet).

Table 1a: Tablet requirement to achieve a 25 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet) for administration three times a day.

Body Weight (kg)	Dose (mg)	Number of 500 mg tablets
20	500	1
30	750	1.5
40	1,000	2
50	1,250	2.5
60	1,500	3
70	1,750	3.5
80	2,000	4
90	2,250	4.5

To minimize gastrointestinal upset when first starting therapy, dosing can start at 45 mg/kg/day and increase weekly by 15 mg/kg/day increments until the full prescribed dose is achieved.

Dosage Adjustments

Tailor dosage adjustments to the individual patient’s response and therapeutic goals (maintenance or reduction of body iron burden). The maximum oral dosagee is 33 mg/kg (actual body weight), three times per day for a total of 99 mg/kg/day.

Table 1b: Tablet requirement to achieve a 33 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet) for administration three times a day.

Body Weight (kg)	Dose (mg)	Number of 500 mg tablets
20	660	1.5
30	990	2
40	1,320	2.5
50	1,650	3.5
60	1,980	4
70	2,310	4.5
80	2,640	5.5
90	2,970	6

For patients who have trouble swallowing tablets, consider the use of FERRIPROX Oral Solution (see the prescribing information for FERRIPROX Oral Solution).

Monitoring Ferritin Levels To Assess Efficacy

Monitor serum ferritin concentration every two to three months to assess the effect of FERRIPROX on body iron stores. If the serum ferritin is consistently below 500 mcg/L, consider temporarily interrupting FERRIPROX therapy until serum ferritin rises above 500 mcg/L.

Dosage Modification For Drug Interactions

Allow at least a 4-hour interval between administration of FERRIPROX and other drugs or supplements containing polyvalent cations such as iron, aluminum, or zinc [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

 

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Tablets: 500 mg film-coated, capsule-shaped, white to off-white tablets with functional scoring, and imprinted with “APO” score “500” on one side and plain on the other.

Storage And Handling

FERRIPROX® Tablets (deferiprone) are white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets, film-coated, and have a functional score imprinted with “APO” score “500” on one side and are plain on the other. They are provided in HDPE bottles.

500 mg film-coated tablets, 100 tablets NDC 10122-100-10

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Distributed by Chiesi USA, Inc., Cary, NC 27518. Manufactured by Apotex Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M9L 1T9. CTFD-010-0620-01-.  Revised: Apr 2021

 

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:

• Agranulocytosis and Neutropenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Liver Enzyme Elevations [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Zinc Deficiency [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) were evaluated in trials in healthy subjects. Currently, there are no clinical data in patients with FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day). FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) contain deferiprone, the same active ingredient as FERRIPROX (deferiprone) tablets (three times a day) and oral solution. The following adverse reaction information represents the pooled data collected from 642 patients who participated in single arm or active-controlled clinical trials taking FERRIPROX (deferiprone) tablets (three times a day) and oral solution.

The most serious adverse reaction reported in clinical trials with FERRIPROX was agranulocytosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The most common adverse reactions reported during clinical trials were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, alanine aminotransferase increased, arthralgia and neutropenia.

The table below lists the adverse drug reactions that occurred in at least 1% of patients treated with FERRIPROX in clinical trials.

Table 5:Adverse drug reactions occurring in ≥ 1% of FERRIPROX-treated patients

Body System Adverse Reaction	(N=642) % Subjects
BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS
Neutropenia	6
Agranulocytosis	2
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Nausea	13
Abdominal pain/discomfort	10
Vomiting	10
Diarrhea	3
Dyspepsia	2
INVESTIGATIONS
Alanine Aminotransferase increased	7
Weight increased	2
Aspartate Aminotransferase increased	1
METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS
Increased appetite	4
Decreased appetite	1
MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS
Arthralgia	10
Back pain	2
Pain in extremity	2
Arthropathy	1
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Headache	2

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain were the most frequent adverse reactions reported by patients participating in clinical trials and led to the discontinuation of FERRIPROX therapy in 1.6% of patients.

Chromaturia (reddish/brown discoloration of the urine) is a result of the excretion of iron in the urine.

Postmarketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving FERRIPROX. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: thrombocytosis, pancytopenia.

Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure.

Congenital, familial and genetic disorders: hypospadias.

Eye disorders: diplopia, papilledema, retinal toxicity.

Gastrointestinal disorders: enterocolitis, rectal hemorrhage, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, parotid gland enlargement.

General disorders and administration site conditions: chills, pyrexia, edema peripheral, multi-organ failure.

Hepatobiliary disorders: jaundice, hepatomegaly.

Immune system disorders: anaphylactic shock, hypersensitivity.

Infections and infestations: cryptococcal cutaneous infection, enteroviral encephalitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, sepsis, furuncle, infectious hepatitis, rash pustular, subcutaneous abscess.

Investigations: blood bilirubin increased, blood creatinine phosphokinase increased.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: metabolic acidosis, dehydration.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myositis, chondropathy, trismus.

Nervous system disorders: cerebellar syndrome, cerebral hemorrhage, convulsion, gait disturbance, intracranial pressure increased, psychomotor skills impaired, pyramidal tract syndrome, somnolence.

Psychiatric disorders: bruxism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Renal disorders: glycosuria, hemoglobinuria.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: acute respiratory distress syndrome, epistaxis, hemoptysis, pulmonary embolism.

Skin, subcutaneous tissue disorders: hyperhidrosis, periorbital edema, photosensitivity reaction, pruritis, urticaria, rash, Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Vascular disorders: hypotension, hypertension.

 

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drugs Associated With Neutropenia Or Agranulocytosis

Avoid co-administration of FERRIPROX with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis. If co-administration is unavoidable, closely monitor the absolute neutrophil count [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Effect Of Other Drugs On FERRIPROX

UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGT)

Avoid use of UGT1A6 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac, probenecid, or silymarin (milk thistle)) with FERRIPROX [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Polyvalent Cations

Deferiprone has the potential to bind polyvalent cations (e.g., iron, aluminum, and zinc); allow at least a 4-hour interval between FERRIPROX and other medications (e.g., antacids), or supplements containing these polyvalent cations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

 

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Agranulocytosis And Neutropenia

Fatal agranulocytosis can occur with FERRIPROX use. FERRIPROX can also cause neutropenia, which may foreshadow agranulocytosis. Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX therapy and monitor it weekly while on therapy.

Interrupt FERRIPROX therapy if neutropenia develops (ANC < 1.5 x 10⁹/L).

Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops and monitor the ANC frequently.

Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to immediately interrupt therapy and report to their physician if they experience any symptoms indicative of infection.

The incidence of agranulocytosis was 1.7% of patients in pooled clinical trials of 642 patients with thalassemia syndromes and 1.5% of patients in pooled clinical trials of 196 patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias. The mechanism of FERRIPROX-associated agranulocytosis is unknown. Agranulocytosis and neutropenia usually resolve upon discontinuation of FERRIPROX, but there have been reports of agranulocytosis leading to death.

Implement a plan to monitor for and to manage agranulocytosis and neutropenia prior to initiating FERRIPROX treatment.

For Agranulocytosis (ANC < 0.5 x 10⁹/L)

Consider hospitalization and other management as clinically appropriate. Do not resume FERRIPROX in patients who have developed agranulocytosis unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks. Do not rechallenge patients who have developed neutropenia with FERRIPROX unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks.

For Neutropenia (ANC < 1.5 x 10⁹/L And > 0.5 x 10⁹/L)

Instruct the patient to immediately discontinue FERRIPROX and all other medications with a potential to cause neutropenia. Obtain a complete blood cell (CBC) count, including a white blood cell (WBC) count corrected for the presence of nucleated red blood cells, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and a platelet count daily until recovery (ANC ≥ 1.5 x 10⁹/L).

Liver Enzyme Elevations

In pooled clinical trials, 7.5% of 642 patients with thalassemia syndromes treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values. Four (0.62%) FERRIPROX-treated subjects discontinued the drug due to increased serum ALT levels and 1 (0.16%) due to an increase in both ALT and AST. In pooled clinical trials, 7.7% of 196 patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values.

Monitor serum ALT values monthly during therapy with FERRIPROX and consider interruption of therapy if there is a persistent increase in the serum transaminase levels.

Zinc Deficiency

Decreased plasma zinc concentrations have been observed on FERRIPROX therapy. Monitor plasma zinc, and supplement in the event of a deficiency.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and evidence of genotoxicity, FERRIPROX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The available data on the use of FERRIPROX in pregnant women are insufficient to inform risk. In animal studies, administration of deferiprone during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal death and malformations at doses lower than equivalent human clinical doses. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].

Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least six months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least three months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)

• Instruct patients and their caregivers to store FERRIPROX at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
• Advise patients to take the first dose of FERRIPROX in the morning, the second dose at midday, and the third dose in the evening. Clinical experience suggests that taking FERRIPROX with meals may reduce nausea.
• If a dose of this medicine has been missed, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not catch-up or double doses.
• Inform patients of the risks of developing agranulocytosis and instruct them to immediately interrupt therapy and report to their physician if they experience any symptoms of infection such as fever, sore throat or flu-like symptoms.
• Advise patients to contact their physician in the event of overdose.
• Inform patients that their urine might show a reddish/brown discoloration due to the excretion of the iron-deferiprone complex. This is a very common sign of the desired effect, and it is not harmful.

Embryo-Fetal toxicity

Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations]. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least six months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations]. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least three months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations and Nonclinical Toxicology].

Lactation

Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with deferiprone. However, in view of the genotoxicity results, and the findings of mammary gland hyperplasia and mammary gland tumors in rats treated with deferiprone in the 52-week toxicology study, tumor formation in carcinogenicity studies must be regarded as likely.

Deferiprone was positive in a mouse lymphoma cell assay in vitro. Deferiprone was clastogenic in an in vitro chromosomal aberration test in mice and in a chromosomal aberration test in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Deferiprone given orally or intraperitoneally was clastogenic in a bone marrow micronucleus assay in non-iron-loaded mice. A micronucleus test was also positive when mice predosed with iron dextran were treated with deferiprone. Deferiprone was not mutagenic in the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test.

A fertility and early embryonic development study of deferiprone was conducted in rats. Sperm counts, motility and morphology were unaffected by treatment with deferiprone. There were no effects observed on male or female fertility or reproductive function at the highest dose which was 25% of the MRHD.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of deferiprone to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 33% and 49%, respectively, of the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) resulted in structural abnormalities, embryo-fetal mortality and alterations to growth (see Data). The limited available data from deferiprone use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Based on evidence and developmental toxicity in animal studies, FERRIPROX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

Post-marketing data available from 39 pregnancies of deferiprone-treated patients and 10 pregnancies of partners of deferipronetreated patients are as follows:

Of the 39 pregnancies in deferiprone-treated patients, 23 resulted in healthy newborns, 6 ended in spontaneous abortion, 9 had unknown outcomes, and 1 infant was born with anal atresia, nephroptosis, ventricular septal defect, hemivertebra and urethral fistula.

Of the 10 pregnancies in partners of deferiprone-treated patients, 5 resulted in healthy newborns, 1 resulted in a healthy newborn with slight hypospadias, 1 was electively terminated, 1 resulted in the intrauterine death of twins, and 2 had unknown outcomes.

Animal Data

During organogenesis, pregnant rats and rabbits received deferiprone at oral doses of 0, 30, 80 or 200 mg/kg/day, and 0, 10, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day, respectively. The daily dose was administered as two equal divided doses approximately 7 hours apart. Doses of 200 mg/kg/day in rats and 150 mg/kg/day in rabbits, approximately 33% and 49% of the MRHD, respectively, resulted in increased post-implantation loss and reduced fetal weights in the presence of maternal toxicity (reduced maternal body weight and body weight gain in both rats and rabbits; abnormal large placenta at low incidence in rats). The 200 mg/kg/day dose in rats resulted in external, visceral and skeletal fetal malformations such as cranial malformations, cleft palate, limb malrotation, anal atresia, internal hydrocephaly, anophthalmia and fused bones. The dose of 150 mg/kg/day in rabbits resulted in external fetal malformations (partially opened eyes) and minor blood vessel and skeletal variations.

In rats, malformations including micrognathia and persistent ductus arteriosus could be observed in the absence of maternal toxicity at doses equal to or greater than 30 and 80 mg/kg/day, approximately 5% and 13% of the MHRD, respectively.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of deferiprone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production.

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, including the potential for tumorigenicity shown for deferiprone in animal studies, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with FERRIPROX, and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating FERRIPROX.

Contraception

Females

FERRIPROX can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use In Specific Populations]. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Males

Based on genotoxicity findings, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology].

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of FERRIPROX for the treatment of transfusional iron overload due to thalassemia syndromes have been established in pediatric patients 8 years of age and older. Use of FERRIPROX for this indication is supported by evidence of efficacy from clinical trials in adult patients with thalassemia and evidence of safety in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.

The safety and effectiveness of FERRIPROX for the treatment of transfusional iron overload due to sickle cell disease or other anemias have been established in 86 pediatric patients 3 to 16 years of age, among the 152 patients treated with FERRIPROX Tablets or Oral Solution in an adequate and well-controlled study [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies]. The study included 56 patients 3 to <12 years of age and 30 patients 12 to 16 years of age. Seventy-six percent of these patients had sickle cell disease. The recommended starting dose and dose-modifications are the same for children and adults [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and Clinical Studies].

Fourteen patients with spherocytosis (including hereditary) (ages 3-15), two patients with pyruvate kinase deficiency (ages 4 and 6), two patients with dyserythropoietic anemia (ages 10-12) and two patients with hemolytic anemia (ages 8 and 10 years old) were treated with FERRIPROX in the clinical trial, LA38-0411.

A US registry established from December 2011 through December 2019, contains 125 patients from 4 to < 17 years old who have received FERRIPROX and have sickle cell disease. The adverse reactions, including agranulocytosis, seen in the 8 year period of the registry are similar to those seen in the most recent clinical studies.

Safety and effectiveness of FERRIPROX Tablets have not been established in pediatric patients with chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions who are less than 8 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of deferiprone did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

 

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

No cases of acute overdose have been reported. There is no specific antidote to FERRIPROX overdose.

Neurological disorders such as cerebellar symptoms, diplopia, lateral nystagmus, psychomotor slowdown, hand movements and axial hypotonia have been observed in children treated with 2.5 to 3 times the recommended dose for more than one year. The neurological disorders progressively regressed after deferiprone discontinuation.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

FERRIPROX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deferiprone or to any of the excipients in the formulation. The following reactions have been reported in association with the administration of deferiprone: Henoch-SchÃ&para;nlein purpura; urticaria; and periorbital edema with skin rash [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

 

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

Deferiprone is a chelating agent with an affinity for ferric ion (iron III). Deferiprone binds with ferric ions to form neutral 3:1 (deferiprone:iron) complexes that are stable at physiological pH.

Pharmacodynamics

No clinical studies were performed to assess the relationship between the dose of deferiprone and the amount of iron eliminated from the body.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

At the maximum approved recommended dose, deferiprone does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

Pharmacokinetics

FERRIPROX Tablets (Three Times A Day)

The mean Cmax and AUC of deferiprone was 20 mcg/mL and 50 mcg·h/mL, respectively, in healthy subjects. The dose proportionality of deferiprone over the approved recommended dosage range is unknown.

Absorption

Deferiprone appeared in the blood within 5 to 10 minutes after oral administration. Peak serum concentration of deferiprone was reached approximately 1 to 2 hours after a single dose.

Effect Of Food

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone were observed following administration with food.

Elimination

The elimination half-life of deferiprone is approximately 2 hours.

Metabolism

Deferiprone is metabolized primarily by UGT1A6. The major metabolite of deferiprone is the 3-O-glucuronide, which lacks iron binding capability.

Excretion

Following oral administration, 75% to 90% of the administered dose was recovered in urine (primarily as metabolite) in the first 24 hours.

FERRIPROX Tablets (Twice A Day)

In healthy subjects, the mean ± SD Cmax of deferiprone in serum was 6 ± 2 mcg/mL, and the mean ± SD AUC was 28 ± 7 mcg·h/mL following oral administration of a 1,000 mg dose of FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) with food.

Absorption

Peak serum concentrations of deferiprone occur approximately 2 hours after a single dose of FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) in fasted healthy subjects.

Effect Of Food

Following the administration of FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) to healthy volunteers, the Cmax and the AUC of deferiprone remain unchanged after a high-fat meal (approximately 1,000 calories, 53% fat, 33% carbohydrates, and 14% protein) compared to fasted conditions.

Effect Of Alcohol

At 40% (v/v) alcohol concentration in vitro dissolution studies, there was 88% release of deferiprone from a 1,000 mg FERRIPROX tablet (twice a day) within two hours compared to 4% release of deferiprone within 2 hours in the absence of alcohol.

Distribution

The apparent mean ± SD volume of distribution (V/F) of deferiprone was 97 ± 28 L following oral administration of a 1,000 mg dose of FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) with food.

Elimination

The mean ± SD elimination half-life of deferiprone is 1.8 ± 0.3 hours following the administration of FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day).

Metabolism

Deferiprone is metabolized primarily by UGT1A6. The major metabolite of deferiprone is the 3-O-glucuronide, which lacks iron-binding capability.

Excretion

Following oral administration, 75% to 90% of the administered dose was recovered in urine (primarily as metabolite) in the first 24 hours.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone were observed based on sex, race/ethnicity, body weight, mild to severe (eGFR 15 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m²) renal impairment, or mild (Child Pugh Class A) to moderate (Child Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment. The effect of age, including geriatric or pediatric populations, end stage renal disease or severe (Child Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone is unknown.

Drug Interaction Studies

In Vitro Studies

UGTIA6 Inhibitors

Phenylbutazone (UGT1A6 inhibitor) decreased glucuronidation of deferiprone by up to 78%.

Polyvalent Cations

Deferiprone has the potential to bind polyvalent cations (e.g., iron, aluminum, and zinc).

Clinical Studies

FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) were evaluated in trials in healthy subjects. Currently, there are no clinical data in patients treated with FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day). FERRIPROX tablets (twice a day) contains deferiprone, the same active ingredient as FERRIPROX (deferiprone) tablets and oral solution. The following information is based on studies with FERRIPROX (deferiprone) tablets (three times a day) and oral solution.

Transfusional Iron Overload

In a prospective, planned, pooled analysis of patients from several studies, the efficacy of deferiprone was assessed in transfusion-dependent iron overload patients in whom previous iron chelation therapy had failed or was considered inadequate due to poor tolerance. The main criterion for chelation failure was serum ferritin > 2,500 mcg/L before treatment with deferiprone. Deferiprone therapy (35-99 mg/kg/day) was considered successful in individual patients who experienced a ≥ 20% decline in serum ferritin within one year of starting therapy.

Data from a total of 236 patients were analyzed. Of the 224 patients with thalassemia who received deferiprone monotherapy and were eligible for serum ferritin analysis, 105 (47%) were male and 119 (53%) were female. The mean age of these patients was 18.2 years.

For the patients in the analysis, the endpoint of at least a 20% reduction in serum ferritin was met in 50% (of 236 subjects), with a 95% confidence interval of 43% to 57%.

A small number of patients with thalassemia and iron overload were assessed by measuring the change in the number of milliseconds (ms) in the cardiac MRI T2* value before and after treatment with deferiprone for one year. There was an increase in cardiac MRI T2* from a mean at baseline of 11.8 ± 4.9 ms to a mean of 15.1 ± 7.0 ms after approximately one year of treatment. The clinical significance of this observation is not known.

 

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

FERRIPROX
(Feh’ ri prox) Tablets
(deferiprone) tablets, for oral use, 3 times a day 1000 mg

What is the most important information I should know about FERRIPROX Tablets?

FERRIPROX 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 FERRIPROX 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 should do a blood test before you start FERRIPROX Tablets and weekly 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 FERRIPROX Tablets if you develop neutropenia or infection.

Stop taking FERRIPROX Tablets and 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

See “What are the possible side effects of FERRIPROX Tablets?” for more information about side effects.

What is FERRIPROX Tablets?

FERRIPROX Tablets is a prescription medicine used to treat iron overload from blood transfusions in adults and children 8 years of age and older with:

• thalassemia syndromes.
• sickle cell disease or other anemias.

It is not known if FERRIPROX Tablets is safe and effective to treat iron overload due to blood transfusions:

• in people with myelodysplastic syndrome or Diamond Blackfan anemia
• in children less than 8 years of age

Do not take FERRIPROX Tablets if you are allergic to deferiprone or any of the ingredients in FERRIPROX Tablets. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in FERRIPROX Tablets.

Before taking FERRIPROX Tablets, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, includingif you:

• have liver problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. FERRIPROX Tablets can harm your unborn baby. You should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets. Females who are able to become pregnant:
  • Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets.
  • You should use effective birth control during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:

• • You should use effective birth control during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FERRIPROX Tablets passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

How should I take FERRIPROX Tablets?

• Take FERRIPROX Tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
• Your healthcare provider will prescribe FERRIPROX Tablets based on your body weight.
• Your healthcare provider will check your body iron level during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets and may change your dose if needed. Your healthcare provider may also change your dose of FERRIPROX Tablets if you have certain side effects. Do not change your dose of FERRIPROX Tablets unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
• There are 2 types of FERRIPROX Tablets that are taken on different schedules. Be sure you are taking the correct tablet and ask your healthcare provider if unsure.
• Take this FERRIPROX Tablets 3 times each day. Take your first dose in the morning, the second dose at midday, and the third dose in the evening. Taking FERRIPROX tablets with meals may help reduce nausea.
• If you must take a medicine to treat indigestion (antacid), or supplements that contain iron, aluminum, or zinc during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets, allow at least 4 hours between taking FERRIPROX Tablets and these products.
• If you take too much FERRIPROX Tablets, call your healthcare provider.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not try to catch-up or take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of FERRIPROX Tablets?

FERRIPROX Tablets can cause serious side effects, including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about FERRIPROX Tablets?”
• Increased liver enzyme levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider should do monthly blood tests to check your liver function during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets.
• Decreased levels of zinc in your blood. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your zinc levels during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets and may prescribe a zinc supplement for you if your zinc levels are low.

The most common side effects of FERRIPROX Tablets in people with thalassemia include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach-area (abdominal) pain
• joint pain
• abnormal liver function tests
• low white blood cells

The most common side effects of FERRIPROX Tablets in people with sickle cell disease or other anemias include:

• fever
• stomach-area (abdominal) pain
• bone pain
• headache
• vomiting
• pain in arms or legs
• sickle cell anemia with crisis
• back pain
• abnormal liver function tests
• joint pain
• mouth and throat pain
• common cold
• low white blood cells
• cough
• nausea

FERRIPROX Tablets may cause a change in urine color to reddish-brown. This is not harmful and is expected during treatment with FERRIPROX Tablets.

These are not all of the possible side effects of FERRIPROX Tablets.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store FERRIPROX Tablets?

• Store FERRIPROX Tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Store FERRIPROX Tablets in the original bottle and tightly closed to protect from moisture.

Keep FERRIPROX Tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of FERRIPROX Tablets.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use FERRIPROX Tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FERRIPROX Tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FERRIPROX Tablets that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in FERRIPROX Tablets?

Active ingredient: deferiprone

Inactive ingredients: Tablet core: methylcellulose, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate. Coating: hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, macrogol, and titanium dioxide.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.