How does it work?

Desferrioxamine is a medicine that binds to excess iron in the body. It is then excreted in the urine and faeces, thereby reducing iron levels in the body. Iron is an essential ingredient for haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment present in red blood cells. In normal situations, iron balance is tightly controlled. Most average diets supply adequate amounts of iron and any amounts excess to requirements are excreted. In certain circumstances, the normal control mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to an accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). Iron builds up in the cells of the kidneys, heart, liver, brain and other organs, causing congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and diabetes. Iron overload occurs most commonly as a result of repeated blood transfusions. These might be necessary to treat bone marrow failure (caused by radiation, chemotherapy, viruses or hereditary reasons) or blood disorders like thalassaemia. Or it may be as a result of iron storage disease, eg haemochromatosis. In this condition, excessive amounts of iron are absorbed from the gut and deposited in the tissues. In these cases, desferrioxamine may be given at the time of the blood transfusion, or as a long-term course of treatment. Iron overload can also occur as the result of iron overdosage (iron poisoning). Desferrioxamine is given in this situation as an emergency transfusion. Desferrioxamine can also be used to bind to and remove aluminium. It is used in people on dialysis for end-stage kidney failure, with aluminium overload and aluminium-related bone disease. As desferrioxamine is removed from the body after binding to excess iron and aluminium, it reduces iron or aluminium deposits in the organs or tissues.

What is it used for?

Aluminium overload in people on maintenance dialysis for end-stage kidney failure

Diagnosis of aluminium overload

Diagnosis of iron storage disease and certain anaemias

Iron overload

Iron poisoning

Warning!

Regular ear examinations (every 3 months) are essential for people on long-term treatment.

Regular eye examinations (every 3 months) are essential for people on long-term treatment.

Children's growth and body weight should be monitored every 3 months during treatment with this medicine.

People with iron overload are particularly susceptible to infection, and desferrioxamine may promote certain infections. If you develop a fever with sore throat (pharyngitis), abdominal pain or inflammation of the intestines (enteritis/enterocolitis), consult your doctor. Desferrioxamine treatment should be stopped temporarily and antibiotics given.

Avoid driving or operating machinary if you experience dizziness, visual disturbances or hearing disturbances during treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

Aluminium related disease of the brain (encephalopathy)

Decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Blood disorders

Visual disturbances

Decreased kidney function

Fever (pyrexia)

Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness (peripheral neuropathy)

Hearing distubances

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Supression of growth in children and adolescents

Pain in the muscles and joints

Pain, swelling, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site

Asthma

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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