Deferoxamine – Injection, Desferal

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used along with other treatments (such as syrup of ipecac or stomach pumping) to treat sudden iron poisoning. It is most effective when given as soon as possible after ingesting iron. This medication can also be used to help eliminate high iron levels in patients who have received multiple blood transfusions. Deferoxamine is an iron-binding agent that belongs to a class of drugs called heavy metal antagonists. It works by aiding in the elimination of excess iron from the kidneys and gallbladder. This medication is not recommended for children under 3 years old (see Precautions). OTHER This section contains uses for this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling, but may be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Use this drug only for conditions that have been prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug may also be used to treat high levels of aluminum in dialysis patients and individuals with aluminum poisoning. HOW TO USE: Depending on your medical condition, this medication may be injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you self-administer this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare professional. Before using, visually inspect the product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. If you are using this medication to treat high iron levels, your doctor may direct you to take vitamin C after using this medication for at least 1 month. Taking vitamin C helps replace vitamin C lost due to high iron levels and assists in the removal of iron. If you have heart disease, inform your doctor before taking vitamin C while using this medication (see Drug Interactions). The manufacturer recommends that adults take no more than 200 milligrams of vitamin C per day when using this drug. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Pain and swelling at the injection site or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medicine may cause your urine to turn reddish. This effect is harmless. When this medication is given intravenously, flushing, severe itching, severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fainting can occur. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends administering this medication either intramuscularly or subcutaneously whenever possible. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who use this medication do not experience serious side effects. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including changes in vision (such as loss of vision, color vision changes, cataracts), eye pain, or changes in hearing (such as ringing in the ears, decreased hearing/loss of hearing). Rarely, this drug may cause serious (sometimes fatal) bacterial or fungal infections. Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the following: unexplained diarrhea/abdominal pain/fever. This drug may also infrequently cause a serious (rarely fatal) lung condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the following: sudden/severe shortness of breath, labored or rapid breathing, severe dizziness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects not listed above. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using deferoxamine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more information. Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have kidney problems, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or any fungal infections. If you are using this medication for aluminum poisoning, also inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have seizures, decreased calcium levels in the blood, or hyperparathyroidism. This medication may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities that require alertness or clear vision until you are certain you can do so safely. Limit your consumption of alcohol. Children, especially those under 3 years old, may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly its effects on bone growth. Older adults may also be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly vision and hearing problems. During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may alter how medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include prochlorperazine. If you have a certain heart problem (heart failure), do not use this drug with vitamin C, as very serious interactions may occur. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information before starting deferoxamine. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including gallium scintigraphy), resulting in possible false test results. Make sure that laboratory personnel and all of your doctors are aware that you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. In the US, residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, loss of vision, sudden paleness in the face/lips/palms of the hands, or coma. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. In patients who receive this medication long-term, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, hearing tests, growth and body weight in children, kidney function tests, cardiac function tests in patients using deferoxamine and vitamin C) should be performed periodically to monitor progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information.

QUESTION

MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store unmixed vials at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing, use within the time period indicated in the product instructions. Discard any unused portion. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright © 2013 First Databank, Inc.

MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store unmixed vials at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing, use within the time period indicated in the product instructions. Discard any unused portion. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright © 2013 First Databank, Inc.