Deferoxamine Injection

pronounced as (de″ fer ox′ a meen)

Brand Name(s): Desferal®
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Why is this medicine prescribed?

Deferoxamine is used to reduce excessive amounts of iron in the body. Deferoxamine is in a class of medications called iron chelating agents. It works by attaching to iron in the body so that it can be removed from the body.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Deferoxamine comes as a powder to be mixed with water and injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein. It is injected as needed by a health care provider to reduce iron levels in the body. Your doctor will determine how many doses that you need based on your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving deferoxamine,

  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving deferoxamine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • the following nonprescription or herbal product may interact with deferoxamine: vitamin C. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking deferoxamine. Do not start this medication while taking deferoxamine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are receiving dialysis. Your doctor may tell you not to receive deferoxamine.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving deferoxamine, call your doctor immediately. Deferoxamine can harm the fetus.
  • you may be required to have a pregnancy test prior to starting deferoxamine. You should use birth control during and for one month after treatment with deferoxamine. Talk to your doctor about what birth control is right for you.
  • you should know that deferoxamine may make you dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Deferoxamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the site of injection
  • muscle spasms
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • rash, redness, itching, hives; dizziness or feeling faint; difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • cough, chills, fever, or any sign of infection
  • changes in vision
  • difficulty hearing
  • difficulty breathing
  • decreased urination
  • seizures

Deferoxamine may cause slower height and weight growth in children. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.

Deferoxamine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to deferoxamine. Your doctor may also recommend hearing or vision exams during your treatment with deferoxamine.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

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Selected Revisions: December 15, 2025.