Deferoxamine
About Deferoxamine
Deferoxamine is an injectable prescription medicine used to treat chronic iron overload, which often occurs in people who receive frequent blood transfusions. It is also used to treat sudden, acute iron poisoning and to clear excess aluminium buildup in patients undergoing long-term kidney dialysis. This medication plays a critical role in preventing organ and tissue damage caused by these excess metals.
Because Deferoxamine is injected or infused, its use is typically scheduled daily or several times a week, requiring high consistency to successfully lower metal levels. It does not need to be taken with food, but maintaining a healthy fluid intake is vital to help your kidneys flush out the bound metals. Simple dietary adjustments, such as avoiding iron-rich foods, can further support your treatment results.
While using Deferoxamine, you may notice mild side effects like redness or pain at the injection site, or slight nausea. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms, such as sudden changes in your vision or hearing.
Before you start using Deferoxamine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart problems, or any active infections. Do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney failure and are not on dialysis, or if you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to it.
Some medicines, including high doses of vitamin C, can interact with Deferoxamine and increase your risk of heart problems. It is also essential to consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to breastfeed, or are an older adult, as special monitoring may be required.
Uses of Deferoxamine
Medicinal Benefits
Deferoxamine helps remove excess iron or aluminium from the body, protecting your organs from long-term damage and improving your overall health. The benefits of this medication include:
- Removes excess iron from the body, helping protect the heart, liver, and endocrine glands from long-term damage.
- Supports healthy organ function and improves long-term health outcomes in people who require regular blood transfusions.
- Helps relieve symptoms caused by iron overload, such as joint pain, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort, improving daily comfort and energy levels.
- Removes excess aluminium from the body, helping support bone mineralisation, reduce the risk of fractures, and improve mobility over time.
Directions for Use
- Your doctor will determine the dosage and timing of Deferoxamine based on your health condition. Typically, it is administered every 8-24 hours.
- Deferoxamine will administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
- Do not self-administer this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Deferoxamine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
- Mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
- Muscle cramps or joint pain
- Urine turning a reddish-brown colour (this is a harmless sign that the medicine is successfully removing iron)
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Changes in your vision, such as blurriness, trouble seeing colours, or night blindness
- Hearing problems, including ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, or throat
- Unusual dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
- Signs of an infection, like a high fever, chills, or a sore throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the solution before use: Make sure the dissolved medicine is clear before injecting it. Do not use it if it looks cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles.
- Rotate injection sites: Use a different injection site for each dose. This helps reduce skin irritation, thickening, and pain.
- Have regular eye and hearing checks: Attend routine eye and hearing examinations during long-term treatment. These tests help detect any changes early.
- Monitor your urine: A reddish-brown colour in your urine is a common and expected effect of Deferoxamine. Contact your doctor if you notice a sudden decrease or change in the amount of urine you pass.
- Do not share injection supplies: Never share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment with anyone. This helps prevent the spread of infections.
- Watch for signs of infection: Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, sore throat, or sudden abdominal pain. This medicine may increase your risk of certain bacterial infections.
Drug Interactions
- Vitamin C: When taken in high doses alongside Deferoxamine, vitamin C can increase the risk of heart tissue damage by mobilising stored iron too quickly.
- Drugs used to treat severe nausea and vomiting (e.g., Prochlorperazine): Combining Deferoxamine with phenothiazine may cause temporary loss of consciousness or severe dizziness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not known whether the Deferoxamine can interact with alcohol. However, you are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Deferoxamine to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionDeferoxamine is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It may not cause harm to an unborn fetus. However, Deferoxamine should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor only if he/she thinks benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDeferoxamine should be used in breastfeeding mothers only if the benefits outweigh the risks as there is insufficient data available regarding the use of this medicine in breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionAfter taking this drug, you can experience side effects like feeling dizzy, tired or alter your vision. If this occurs, do not drive or perform any work that requires a high level of concentration.
Liver
cautionDeferoxamine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may have to adjust the dose if there are symptoms of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of skin/eye.
Kidney
cautionDeferoxamine should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment since the metal complexes are excreted via the kidneys. In these patients, dialysis will increase the elimination of chelated iron and aluminum. So, it should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by the doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedIn children below the age of 3 years, Deferoxamine may affect the growth. Regular checks on body weight and height are, therefore, recommended in children using Deferoxamine.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit vitamin C intake: Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin C supplements. While vitamin C can help Deferoxamine remove iron, taking it in high doses can cause heart problems. Only take vitamin C if explicitly prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid iron-fortified foods and supplements: Read food labels carefully. Avoid multivitamins containing iron and foods heavily fortified with iron, such as certain breakfast cereals.
- Limit red meat and iron-rich foods: Reduce your consumption of foods naturally high in iron, such as red meat and organ meats, to help manage your overall iron burden.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as your kidneys need adequate fluids to flush out the bound iron complexes.
- Avoid raw seafood: High iron levels can increase your risk of infections from certain bacteria found in raw shellfish. Ensure all seafood is thoroughly cooked before eating.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise you to take blood and urine tests while using Deferoxamine to examine your health condition and ensure that this medicine treats your condition.
Eye examination and hearing tests are recommended while using Deferoxamine to affect your vision and hearing.
X-rays or scan results may be affected by treatment with Deferoxamine. Inform your doctor that you are being treated with Deferoxamine if an X-ray or scan is suggested.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Iron intoxication: Iron poisoning occurs from the ingestion of excess iron or increases iron levels in the blood that results in acute toxicity. Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Iron is an essential mineral for blood production. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Iron can also accumulate in the organs and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain.
FAQs
Mild pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site is a common side effect of Deferoxamine. Rotating injection sites with each dose may help reduce these reactions. If the redness becomes severe, spreads, feels warm, is associated with pus or fever, or does not improve, contact your doctor promptly. Other possible side effects include flushing, rash, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain. Seek medical advice if any side effects are severe or persistent.
This is a normal and harmless reaction. The reddish-brown color occurs because the medicine has successfully bound to the excess iron in your body and is flushing it out through your urine. If you experience pain when urinating or if the color change concerns you, talk to your doctor.
You should only take vitamin C if specifically prescribed by your doctor. High doses of vitamin C can interact with Deferoxamine and cause serious heart problems by releasing stored iron too rapidly. Always talk to your doctor before starting any vitamins or dietary supplements.
The duration depends on whether you are receiving it intravenously or subcutaneously. Subcutaneous infusions using a portable pump often run slowly over 8 to 12 hours, typically overnight, while intravenous infusions are administered in a clinical setting over a timeframe decided by your medical team. Talk to your doctor to understand your specific administration schedule.
Deferoxamine should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk to your doctor to discuss safe alternative options.
Yes, in some cases, long-term or high-dose therapy with Deferoxamine can cause temporary changes in your vision or hearing. Your doctor will likely recommend regular eye and hearing tests while you are using this medicine. If you notice any sudden changes in your sight or hearing, contact your doctor immediately.
There is no direct, severe interaction between alcohol and Deferoxamine, but alcohol can put additional stress on your liver, which may already be affected by high iron levels. It is best to limit alcohol intake. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
Deferoxamine does not cure the underlying condition that causes iron buildup, such as a blood disorder requiring frequent transfusions. Instead, it effectively manages the excess iron to prevent organ damage. You will likely need to continue using this medication as long as you receive regular transfusions. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your long-term treatment plan.
Author Details
