| Generic name | Deferoxamine mesylate |
| Pronunciation | de-fer-OX-sa-meen ME-sil-ate |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Desferal®, DFO |
| Drug type | Iron chelator |
| How the drug is given | Intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection; may be given intravenously (IV) |
Indications and Usage
Deferoxamine mesylate is FDA approved to treat people who have acute iron intoxication and of chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemia.
Side effects needing medical attention
Hearing loss; vision problems; decrease in urination; fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; lack of energy; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; hives; rash; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet or ankles.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.