Deferiprone: second-line treatment of iron overload in the absence of a better alternative.

Deferiprone is only a second-line option for the treatment of iron overload. The convenience of oral intake does not compensate for the lack of evidence concerning effects on morbidity and/or mortality. In contrast, deferoxamine, an injectable product, has proven clinical efficacy. However, seven years after initial marketing of deferiprone, its adverse effects (mainly neutropenia and agranulocytosis) are now better documented.