Deferoxamine
Generic name: deferoxamine [ de-fer-OX-a-meen ]
Brand name: Desferal
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (2 g; 500 mg)
Drug classes:Antidotes, Chelating agents
What is deferoxamine?
Deferoxamine binds to iron and removes it from the bloodstream.
Deferoxamine is used to treat acute (immediate) iron overdose.
Deferoxamine is also used to treat chronic (long-term) iron overload caused by repeated blood transfusions.
Deferoxamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use deferoxamine if you have severe kidney disease, or if you are unable to urinate.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use deferoxamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe kidney disease; or
if you are unable to urinate.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
heart disease;
vision or hearing problems;
asthma or other breathing disorder;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
a parathyroid disorder.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop using deferoxamine. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using deferoxamine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Deferoxamine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old.
How should I use deferoxamine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Deferoxamine is sometimes injected into a muscle. Deferoxamine may also be given over 8 to 24 hours using an infusion pump attached to a catheter placed under your skin or into a vein. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Deferoxamine must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. It is best to use deferoxamine within 3 hours after mixing it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Throw away the medicine if it has been longer than 24 h...
