MedicinePOMEssential

Desferrioxamine

Desferrioxamine (deferoxamine) is an injectable iron-chelating medicine that removes excess iron from the body.

Clinical information

Common uses

acute iron poisoning (with standard measures)
iron overload from repeated blood transfusions

Common side effects

injection-site pain, swelling, redness or itching
flushing, hives and allergic-type reactions
nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort
fever, headache, joint or muscle aches

Cautions

hearing and eye problems can occur with prolonged high doses
can harm the kidneys — kidney function is monitored
serious infections (Yersinia, mucormycosis) have occurred
avoid high-dose vitamin C, especially with heart failure

Interactions

prochlorperazine (temporary loss of consciousness)
vitamin C above 200 mg daily (heart risk)
gallium-67 scans (stop 48 hours before)

Pregnancy: can harm the unborn baby — use effective contraception; discuss risk

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Deferoxamine Mesylate for Injection (Fresenius Kabi) label, setid d91e16df-8daa-4cd2-86a2-273eaa2446e0 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations3

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Deferoxamine (Desferrioxamine)	Parenteral ( Injection )	500 mcg/mL [mesylate] in ampoule	—	POM
Desferal 0.5g	Parenteral ( Powder for injection )	0.5g/ml	State Trading Organization Plc	POM
Talifer	Parenteral ( Injection- Lyophilized Powder)	500 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM