Pricing
Prices are indicative MRP and may vary by pharmacy. Trend compares against the last recorded price.
All price changes →Indications & Uses
Defera is used to treat iron overload in patients with thalassemia major when deferoxamine treatment cannot be used or isn't working well enough. Treatment with Defera should be started and supervised by a physician who has experience managing thalassemia patients.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For adults and children over 6 years of age, the usual dose is 25mg per kg of body weight, taken by mouth three times a day. The total daily dose should not exceed 100mg per kg. Always follow the exact dose and schedule recommended by the registered physician.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common during treatment with Defera and may call for a temporary reduction in dose. It is also common for the urine to take on a reddish brown colour. Other reported side effects include joint pain and raised liver enzyme levels.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Defera can cause neutropenia, including agranulocytosis, so the patient's neutrophil count should be checked weekly. It should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to deferiprone or to any of the excipients in the formulation.