Deferoxamine Injection

Brands: Desferal

Uses

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

• drug overdose
• poisoning

Instructions

This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

The medicine needs to be mixed before being injected.

Do not dilute the medicine until ready to use.

If using the vial, do not remove the medicine from the vial until ready to use.

Always inspect the medicine before using.

The liquid should be clear or light to dark yellow.

Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, contains flakes or large particles, or if it has changed color.

This medicine has different storage instructions depending on how it is mixed. Check labels or ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for details.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Store this medicine at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Protect medicine from light.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

This medicine should only be used by a person who has been trained to recognize when and how it should be used.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

You may need to take Vitamin C with this medicine. If you have heart failure, tell your doctor before taking Vitamin C.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine is not recommended for use in children younger than 3.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• blurry vision
• dizziness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• red colored urine

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• pain in the abdomen
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• rapid breathing
• severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
• ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
• fainting
• fever
• fast or irregular heart beats
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• shortness of breath
• vision problems - changes in seeing color
• sudden change or loss of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.