Deferoxamine is used to remove excess iron in your body. Iron may build up in your body after repeated blood transfusions.
This medicine may also be used to remove excess aluminium in your body.
This medicine may be given intramuscularly (into the muscle), intravenously (into the vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. You may also be taught how to reconstitute and administer this medicine by yourself.
Use Deferoxamine exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Deferoxamine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse.
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease as Deferoxamine may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if this medicine is going to be given to a child below 3 years old. If your child is using Deferoxamine, he may need to have regular monitoring of his weight and height.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may need to do some routine blood tests such as kidney function tests, liver function tests, and blood aluminium level test. Your doctor may also want to give you regular eye tests and hearing tests before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
Deferoxamine may cause dizziness and some problems with your eyesight or hearing. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: muscle pain, joint pain, fever, rashes, headache, nausea and pain, irritation and redness at the injection site.
Deferoxamine may also cause a reddish brown discolouration of the urine.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- medicines for nausea or vomiting e.g. prochlorperazine
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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