Drug interactions
Deferiprone + Sulphasalazine
Severity: Major
Deferiprone and Sulphasalazine: 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
Both drugs can cause neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Combined use raises the risk of serious infection from bone marrow suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deferiprone and Sulphasalazine 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; Sulphasalazine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppressive toxicity affecting neutrophils.
What to do
Avoid combining where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, check absolute neutrophil counts more frequently and stop therapy promptly 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?
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Other interactions of Sulphasalazine
- Pexidartinib + Sulphasalazine Major
- Sepiapterin + Sulphasalazine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Sulphasalazine Moderate
- Aceclofenac + Sulphasalazine Moderate
- Acetazolamide + Sulphasalazine Moderate
- Asciminib + Sulphasalazine Moderate
Other interactions of Deferiprone
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Deferiprone Major
- Acalabrutinib + Deferiprone Major
- Ado-trastuzumab emtansine + Deferiprone Major
- Ado-trastuzumab + Deferiprone Major
- Aldesleukin + Deferiprone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deferiprone with Sulphasalazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferiprone and Sulphasalazine 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. Both drugs can cause neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Combined use raises the risk of serious infection from bone marrow suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Sulphasalazine?
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 combining where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, check absolute neutrophil counts more frequently and stop therapy promptly if neutropenia develops.
What other medicines interact with Sulphasalazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sulphasalazine with, for example, Pexidartinib, Sepiapterin, Acalabrutinib. The full list is on the Sulphasalazine page.
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