Agranulocytosis/Neutropenia

• Deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis.
• Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting deferiprone therapy and monitor ANC weekly on therapy.
• Interrupt deferiprone therapy if neutropenia develops.
• Interrupt deferiprone therapy if infection develops, and monitor the ANC more frequently.
• Advise patients taking deferiprone to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection.