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Drug interactions

Deferiprone + Mechlorethamine

Severity: Major

Deferiprone and Mechlorethamine: major 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 can cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia, and mechlorethamine is a myelosuppressive alkylating agent. Together they can produce additive bone marrow suppression and a higher risk of serious infection.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deferiprone and Mechlorethamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Deferiprone belongs to Miscellaneous; Mechlorethamine belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive myelosuppression through pharmacodynamic synergism.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, monitor the absolute neutrophil count closely and interrupt deferiprone if neutropenia develops.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

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 Mechlorethamine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferiprone and Mechlorethamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia, and mechlorethamine is a myelosuppressive alkylating agent. Together they can produce additive bone marrow suppression and a higher risk of serious infection.

How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Mechlorethamine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, monitor the absolute neutrophil count closely and interrupt deferiprone if neutropenia develops.

What other medicines interact with Deferiprone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Deferiprone with, for example, Clozapine, Abemaciclib, Acalabrutinib. The full list is on the Deferiprone page.

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