Desferal Vial is a primary medication used to treat iron overload, a condition that can be serious if left untreated. This medication contains the active ingredient deferoxamine 500 mg. Thanks to its ability to effectively remove excess iron, this medication provides vital treatment for patients suffering from these conditions and helps prevent serious complications associated with iron overload.
What are the ingredients in Desferal?
Desferal Vial contains the following active ingredient:
Deferoxamine 500 mg.
In addition to this active ingredient, the vial contains inactive ingredients to form the powder for injection, which must be dissolved before use.
Indications for Use of Desferal
Desferal Vial is used to treat:
Chronic iron overload: resulting from repeated blood transfusions (such as in thalassemia and certain types of anemia).
Acute iron poisoning: resulting from the ingestion of large doses of iron supplements.
Excess aluminum in the body: This occurs especially in patients with chronic kidney failure who are receiving dialysis.
The goal of treatment is to remove excess iron or aluminum from the body and prevent damage that may be caused by their accumulation in organs.
What is the dosage of Desferal?
Desferal Vial is administered by injection (intravenously, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly) by a trained healthcare professional. The dosage and duration of treatment depend largely on the condition being treated, the severity of the iron or aluminum overload, and the patient's response.
For chronic iron overload:
Subcutaneous dosage: 20-40 mg/kg daily for 5-7 days per week using a slow infusion pump.
Intravenous dosage: 20-60 mg/kg daily over 8-12 hours.
For acute iron toxicity: 15 mg/kg/hour intravenously as a starting dose, adjusted according to response, to a maximum of 80 mg/kg/day.
To increase aluminum: 5 mg/kg once or twice weekly, or as recommended by your doctor.
The solution is prepared by dissolving the powder in sterile water for injection.
What are the side effects of Desferal?
Desferal vial may cause some side effects, some of which are common and some of which can be serious:
Common side effects (local or systemic):
Pain, swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site (especially with subcutaneous injection).
Gastrointestinal disturbances: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Changes in vision or hearing (blurred vision, tinnitus, hearing loss), especially with high doses or prolonged use.
Muscle or joint pain.
A doctor should be notified immediately if any severe, persistent, or unusual side effects occur, especially any changes in vision or hearing, difficulty breathing, or any signs of an allergic reaction.