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Drug interactions

Deferiprone + Ferrous fumarate

Severity: Moderate

Deferiprone and Ferrous fumarate: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Deferiprone chelates iron, so oral iron given together binds the drug in the gut and in the body. This can reduce deferiprone absorption and its chelating effect, while the iron supplement is also inactivated.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deferiprone and Ferrous fumarate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Deferiprone belongs to Miscellaneous; Ferrous fumarate belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Chelation of iron by deferiprone forms complexes that reduce absorption of both agents and oppose the intended iron removal.

What to do

Separate deferiprone from iron supplements by at least 4 hours. Reassess the need for iron supplementation in patients treated for iron overload.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Deferiprone with Ferrous fumarate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Deferiprone and Ferrous fumarate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Deferiprone chelates iron, so oral iron given together binds the drug in the gut and in the body. This can reduce deferiprone absorption and its chelating effect, while the iron supplement is also inactivated.

How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Ferrous fumarate?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate deferiprone from iron supplements by at least 4 hours. Reassess the need for iron supplementation in patients treated for iron overload.

What other medicines interact with Ferrous fumarate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ferrous fumarate with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Acetohydroxamic acid, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Ferrous fumarate page.

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