What is Desferal used for?
What is Desferal used for?
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.
How is Desferal given?
The standard recommended method of Desferal administration is via slow subcutaneous infusion over 8–12 hours. In patients with intravenous access, the daily dose of Desferal can be administered intravenously.
What is Desferal made of?
Deferoxamine (DFOA), also known as desferrioxamine and sold under the brand name Desferal, is a medication that binds iron and aluminium….Deferoxamine.
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C25H48N6O8 |
| Molar mass | 560.693 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | Interactive image |
What are the potential side effects of Desferal?
Common side effects of Desferal include:
- injection site reactions (pain, swelling, burning, redness, irritation, or a hard lump),
- blurred vision,
- dizziness,
- ringing in your ears,
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
- itching or skin rash,
- numbness or burning pain anywhere in the body,
- diarrhea,
When do you give Desferal?
Desferal therapy should be commenced after the first 10- 20 blood transfusions, or when there is evidence from clinical monitoring that chronic iron overload is present (e.g. serum ferritin >1000 ng/mL. The dose and mode of administration should be individually adapted according to the degree of iron overload.
Does Desferal treat iron toxicity?
Deferoxamine (Desferal) is used for chelation of iron in both acute and chronic toxicity.
What is the price of Desferal injection?
The cost for Desferal injectable powder for injection 500 mg is around $153 for a supply of 4 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
How much iron does Desferal remove?
Theoretically 100 mg Desferal can chelate 8.5 mg of ferric iron.
Can iron overload affect the heart?
Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
What are the symptoms of too much iron?
Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Over time, iron can accumulate in the organs, and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain. Toxic cellular effects occur as well.
