Health Library

Deferoxamine (By injection)

Deferoxamine (de-fer-OX-a-meen)

Treats iron toxicity. This medicine is an iron chelator (binder).

Brand Name(s):

Desferal

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• . Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Do not shake the medicine. Use each vial only 1 time. Throw away any medicine that is left in the vial after your dose. Do not use the medicine if it has changed color or has particles in it.
• Once the medicine is mixed, you should use it within 3 hours. Throw away any mixed medicine that has not been used within this time.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how deferoxamine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Vitamin C supplements

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, heart disease, thyroid problems, any type of infection, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you are receiving dialysis treatment.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Kidney problems
  • A serious lung condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Slow growth in children
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may turn your urine red. This is normal.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Rapid weight gain. swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Vision or hearing changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024