Deferoxamine is a medication used to treat iron overload caused by chronic blood transfusions, which can occur in conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Brand names for deferoxamine include Desferal, Desferrioxamine, and Ferriprox.
Deferoxamine is typically administered by injection, either intravenously (into a vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin). The dose and route of administration will depend on the patient’s weight and the severity of their iron overload.
In general, the recommended starting dose for deferoxamine is 20-40 mg/kg/day, administered over 8-12 hours, 5-7 days per week. The maximum daily dose is typically 6 g/day. The injection should be given slowly, over a period of 4-12 hours.
It’s important to note that deferoxamine should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as it can have potentially serious side effects and may interact with other medications.