Adult Dosing
Acute iron intoxication
- 1 g IM/IV, then 500 mg IM/IV q4-12 hrs x 2 doses
- Additional doses of 500 mg q 4–12 hr may be needed
- Max: 6 g/24 hr
Chronic iron overload due to transfusion dependent anemias
- 500 mg–1 g/day IM; additional doses of 2 g should be given IV for each unit of blood transfused
- Max: 1 g/day in absence of transfusions; 6 g/day if patient receives transfusions
- 1–2 g/day (20–40 mg/kg/day) SC infused over 8–24 hrs
Pediatric Dosing
Acute iron intoxication
Child 
3 yrs
- 1 g IM/IV, then 500 mg IM/IV q4-12 hrs x 2 doses
- Additional doses of 500 mg q 4–12 hr may be needed
- Max: 6 g/24 hr
Chronic iron overload due to transfusion dependent anemias
Child 3 yrs
- 500 mg–1 g/day IM; additional doses of 2 g should be given IV for each unit of blood transfused
- Max: 1 g/day in absence of transfusions; 6 g/day if patient receives transfusions
- 1–2 g/day (20–40 mg/kg/day) SC infused over 8–24 hrs
- Chronic use with high doses in patients with low ferritin levels may cause ocular and auditory disturbances. Therefore periodically perform visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examinations, funduscopy and audiometry during the therapy
- Suspend therapy immediately if symptoms of toxicity appear
- Therapy may cause increases in serum creatinine, acute renal failure and renal tubular disorders
- Growth retardation may occur with high doses of deferoxamine mesylate and concomitant low ferritin levels
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome, also reported in children, has been described following treatment with excessively high intravenous doses of deferoxamine mesylate in patients with acute iron intoxication or thalassemia
- Do not give rapid intravenous injection because it may lead to flushing of the skin, urticaria, hypotension, and shock
- Iron overload increases susceptibility of patients to Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections. Discontinue therapy until the infection is resolved
- Therapy can cause mucormycosis with a fatal outcome. Suspend therapy if any of the suspected signs or symptoms occur
Caution: Use cautiously in
- Pediatric patients
- Elderly patients
- Patients with low ferritin levels
- Aluminum overload
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown. Manufacturer advises caution.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Desferal 500 MG SOLR [Vial] (NOVARTIS)
4 mg = $111.34
12 mg = $309.97
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
