Deferoxamine: how to take it safely
Desferal
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Removes extra iron from the body, and treats iron poisoning.
How to take it
- It is given by slow drip, or by a small pump under the skin overnight, as your health worker showed you.
- Vitamin C is sometimes added, as your doctor says.
When to take it
Given 5 to 7 nights a week for iron overload, or as the team decides in poisoning.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Missing eye and hearing checks.
- Vitamin C without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or kidney problems.
Possible side effects
Pain or redness at the injection site, nausea, diarrhoea, red urine.
Get help if
Fever, vomiting, severe stomach pain (a sign of a rare infection called Yersinia), vision or hearing changes, or a rash: stop it and get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.