Deferoxamine injection

What is this medicine?

DEFEROXAMINE (dee fer OX a meen) helps to remove excess iron from the body. This may be necessary in patients who have received multiple blood transfusions and people who have ingested too much iron.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, slow infusion into a vein, or infusion under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• change in vision

• diarrhea

• fast heartbeat

• feel dizzy, faint

• fever

• loss of hearing

• muscle cramps

• pain, swelling where injected

• skin flushing, redness

• stomach pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• red coloration of urine

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• preparations containing iron

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

• gallium-67 - used in certain diagnostic tests

• prochlorperazine

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine or very little urine

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to deferoxamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can if you notice any change in your sight or hearing.

You may get drowsy or dizzy or have problems with your vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

While you are receiving this medicine, do not take any vitamin C products unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to.