uses
What is deferoxamine used for?Deferoxamine is commonly used to treat the following conditions.Iron poisoningHigh blood levels of iron (hemochromatosis) from multiple blood transfusionsDeferoxamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does deferoxamine work (mechanism of action)?Deferoxamine works by binding to lead in your body, forming compounds called chelates. Your body gets rid of the chelates when you pee. This helps to lower your iron levels.How is deferoxamine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesDesferalDosage forms and strengths500 mg per vial2 g per vialHow should I store deferoxamine?Deferoxamine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel, muscle, or under the skin
drug interactions
Does deferoxamine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between deferoxamine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect deferoxamine. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while using deferoxamine.Does deferoxamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting, before using deferoxamine.This may not be the only medicine that can interact with deferoxamine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of deferoxamine?The most common side effects of deferoxamine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection siteAllergic reactions (see below)Serious infections (see below)Changes in heart rate or blood pressureStomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, or vomitingBlood disordersLiver damageMuscle spasmsSlowed growth in children (see below)Kidney damage (see below)Nerve problems, including motor and sensory problemsDizziness (see below)Hearing loss (see below)Eye problems (see below)There may be other side effects of deferoxamine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of deferoxamine?While less common, the most serious side effects of deferoxamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Deferoxamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using deferoxamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painEye Problems. Deferoxamine may be associated with eye problems, including cataracts. Your risk may be higher if you use higher doses or are treated with deferoxamine for a long time. Keep any appointments to have your eyes checked while you are using this medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if you experience any changes in vision, including visual loss, blurriness, trouble seeing in darkness, or how you see colors.Hearing Loss. Deferoxamine may be associated with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. Your risk may be higher if you use higher doses or are treated with deferoxamine for a long time. Keep any appointments to have your hearing checked while you are using this medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if you have hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using deferoxamine. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.Reduced need to peeSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessTrouble catching your breath or chest pain/pressureConfusionNauseaSeizuresSlowed Growth in Children. Deferoxamine may slow down the growth of your child, especially if given in higher doses. Tell your child’s health care provider if this concerns you. Your child’s health care provider may monitor your child’s height and weight while they are being treated with deferoxamine.Serious Infections. Deferoxamine may increase the risk of certain serious infections, including Yersinia bacterial infections and mucormycosis (black fungus). Stop using deferoxamine and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection.FeverCough or shortness of breathChest painFacial swellingHeadacheSinus congestionBlack lesions on the bridge of your nose or the inside of your mouthBelly pain or bleeding in your stomach or bowelDiarrhea, which may be bloodyNausea and vomitingDizziness. Deferoxamine can make you dizzy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how deferoxamine affects you.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much deferoxamine?If you or someone else has used too much deferoxamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of deferoxamine?If you receive deferoxamine injections at a clinic or hospital, your health care provider will make sure you are receiving deferoxamine as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your deferoxamine dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. If you receive deferoxamine using a portable infusion pump and the pump device malfunctions, contact your health care provider and follow their instructions for any missed doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use deferoxamine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use deferoxamine.DeferoxamineDesferalAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific deferoxamine products they stock.Kidney Problems. Deferoxamine should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. This includes making very little or no pee. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to use this medicine.What should I know about deferoxamine before using it?Do not use deferoxamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share deferoxamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep deferoxamine out of the reach of children.Deferoxamine can cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how deferoxamine affects you.Deferoxamine may be infused under the skin using a portable infusion device. If this is how deferoxamine is prescribed to you, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use your infusion device. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.You may notice a reddish or brownish discoloration of your urine (pee) while you are using deferoxamine. This is due to iron chelates leaving your body. It is a sign that deferoxamine is working. This is common and not harmful.While you are using deferoxamine, your health care provider may perform certain tests to make sure that deferoxamine is safe for you to use. Keep all appointments, including those for lab work or other tests, while you are using this medicine.People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from deferoxamine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Vitamin C, a vitamin that may be included in multivitamin products or other combination products, is sometimes used with deferoxamine. Higher doses of vitamin C, when used while you are using deferoxamine, can increase your risk of side effects. Talk to your health care provider before taking vitamin C to see if you should take it and if so, what dose of vitamin C you should take.What should I tell my health care provider before using deferoxamine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if deferoxamine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Deferoxamine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using deferoxamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Problems related to aluminum levels in your bodyDialysisHeart failurePregnancy. Deferoxamine may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use deferoxamine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if deferoxamine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop deferoxamine.
about
Deferoxamine is used to treat certain people with high blood levels of iron. Common side effects may include fast heart beat, low blood pressure, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You may notice your pee turns a reddish or brownish color while you are using deferoxamine. This is not harmful. It is a sign that the medicine is working. Serious side effects are less common but may include eye problems, hearing loss, kidney damage, slowed growth in children, serious infections, and dizziness.