Desferal (Deferoxamine) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Desferal

Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) »

What is hereditary hemochromatosis?

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). It is a common genetic disorder among Caucasians in the United States, affecting approximately one in 240 to 300 Caucasians. Individuals affected with hereditary hemochromatosis may have no symptoms or signs (and have normal longevity), or they can have severe symptoms and signs of iron overload that include sexual dysfunction, heart failure, joint pains, liver cirrhosis , diabetes mellitus, fatigue, and darkening of skin.

The normal iron content of the body is three to four grams. The total amount of iron in the body is carefully controlled. The body loses one mg of iron daily from sweat and cells that are shed from the skin and the inner lining of the intestines. Women also lose one mg of iron daily on average from. In normal adults the intestines absorb one m...

Read the Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) article »

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Desferal

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Desferal Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) is used to treat iron overload caused by blood transfusions in adults and children at least 3 years old. It is an iron-chelating agent. This medication is available in generic form. Common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site or blurred vision.

The preferred administration of Desferal is intramuscularly (IM) but it may also be administered intravenously (IV). The initial dose of Desferal is 1000 mg. This may be followed by 500 mg every 4 hours for two doses. Depending upon the clinical response, subsequent doses of 500 mg may be administered every 4-12 hours. The total amount administered should not exceed 6000 mg in 24 hours. Desferal may interact with prochlorperazine (Compazine) or a vitamin C supplement. Other drugs may affect Desferal. Tell your doctor all the prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Desferal should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Desferal Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Desferal® (deferoxamine mesylate) Structural Formula Illustration

Desferal is indicated for the treatment of acute iron intoxication and of chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemias.

Acute Iron Intoxication

Desferal is an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, standard measures used in treating acute iron intoxication, which may include the following: induction of emesis with syrup of ipecac; gastric lavage; suction and maintenance of a clear airway; control of shock with intravenous fluids, blood, oxygen, and vasopressors; and correction of acidosis.

Chronic Iron Overload

Desferal ca...

Read the complete drug monograph for Desferal »

What is Desferal Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Desferal Patient Information: Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; joint or muscle pain; fever; headache; nausea or vomiting; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using deferoxamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast heartbeats;
blue lips, skin, or fingernails;
severe, watery, bloody diarrhea with cramping;
cough, wheezing, gasping, or other breathing problems;
stuffy nose, fever, redness or swelling around your ...

Read the complete patient information for Desferal »

What is Desferal Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Desferal Consumer Information: Uses

This medication is used along with other treatments (such as causing vomiting with syrup of ipecac, stomach pumping) to treat sudden iron poisoning. It is most effective when given as soon as possible after the iron was eaten. This medication can also be used to help get rid of iron in patients with high iron levels due to many blood transfusions. Deferoxamine is an iron-binding agent that belongs to a class of drugs known as heavy metal antagonists. It works by helping the kidneys and gallbladder get rid of the extra iron.

This medication is not recommended for use in children less than 3 ...

Read the complete consumer information for Desferal »