Deferiprone

Deferiprone is a medication that is used to treat thalassemia, a genetic blood defect in which the patient’s body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin. As a result, the patient may suffer from severe anemia and exhaustion. Deferiprone is usually used along with blood transfusions to help patients regain health and increase their red blood cell count.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause agranulocytosis, a condition where the blood doesn’t have enough granulocytes. Granulocytes help fight infection, so people who take this medication may be prone to getting more infections. Common signs of infection include fever, chills, aches and nausea. Patients may also have respiratory distress because of infections. If not treated, infections can be fatal.