Summary of Use during Lactation

Deferiprone is likely actively transported into milk through binding with lactoferrin.[1] Because no information is available on the use of deferiprone during breastfeeding and it is orally absorbed, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Australian guidelines recommend against breastfeeding during deferiprone treatment.[2] The US manufacturer recommends withholding breastfeeding for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Deferoxamine, Deferasirox

References

1.

Asmari M, Waqas M, Ibrahim AE, et al. Microscale thermophoresis and molecular modelling to explore the chelating drug transportation in the milk to infant. Molecules. 2022:27. [PMC free article: PMC9319837] [PubMed: 35889479]

2.

Ho PJ, Tay L, Lindeman R, et al. Australian guidelines for the assessment of iron overload and iron chelation in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia major, sickle cell disease and other congenital anaemias. Intern Med J. 2011;41:516–24. [PubMed: 21615659]

Substance Name

Deferiprone

CAS Registry Number

30652-11-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Chelating Agents

Iron Chelating Agents