There are some diseases, for example, like Thalassemia, where people with those diseases have to give blood regularly. When we continuously receive blood in this way, the iron level in our body can go much higher than the required amount. The extra iron that accumulates in the body in this way can damage important organs like our heart and liver. So, a special injection that is given to remove this excess iron from the body is called Deferoxamine. Today, we will talk about this medicine in simple terms.
What kind of medicine is Deferoxamine?
Simply put, Deferoxamine is a drug that acts like a magnet to attract excess iron in our bodies. When this drug enters the body, it binds to the excess iron particles. Then, our kidneys excrete this bound iron through urine. This reduces the body's iron levels to a safe level and stops damage to organs. This is called 'chelation therapy'.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start taking Deferoxamine, you should tell your doctor the following information, as you should be very careful when using this medicine with these conditions.
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease or difficulty urinating | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it is essential to know about kidney function. |
| Heart disease (Heart failure) | The doctor should be aware of the effects of the medication, as excess iron can affect the heart. |
| Liver disease | Knowing about liver function is important for planning treatment. |
| Any type of infection | Some infections may be made worse by this medicine. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is a drug that can harm the baby during pregnancy, so it's very important to talk about it. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medicine passes to your baby through breast milk or not. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | If you are allergic to deferoxamine or any other substance, it is essential to know this before treatment. |
How to use the medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection. It can be given in two ways:
1. Into a vein: As an injection given into a vein.
2. Under the skin: As an injection given under the skin.
This vaccine is usually given in a hospital or clinic. However, sometimes, the patient is taught how to take the medicine at home. In this case, a special pump (infusion pump) is used. Through this pump, the medicine is slowly passed into the body over several hours.
If you are using this medicine at home, follow the instructions given by your doctor or nurse exactly . Do not change the dose, time of administration, or method of administration.
Important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (sharps container) provided. If you don't have one, ask your doctor or nurse for one.
Special occasions
- Young children: When given to young children, especially in high doses and for long periods of time, it may have a small effect on the child's growth. Therefore, the doctor will regularly check the child's height and weight.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What happens if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed, do not panic and act immediately. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital as soon as possible. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, some medications can interact with Deferoxamine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
- Never take: If you are taking this medicine, do not take iron supplements for any reason . Because we take this medicine to remove excess iron from the body.
- Be careful about these:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
- Prochlorperazine (an anti-vomiting medicine)
- Gallium-67 (a substance used in some scans)
Especially when it comes to vitamin C, don't take vitamin C on your own unless your doctor tells you to. Sometimes, taking small amounts of vitamin C with deferoxamine is recommended to make the iron removal process more efficient. But this should only be done under medical advice.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Your medical team will monitor you closely throughout your treatment. You will need to have regular blood tests.
- Vision and hearing: Your vision and hearing may be checked before and during treatment. If you notice any changes in your vision or hearing, or if you experience ringing in your ears, tell your doctor right away.
- Dizziness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To prevent dizziness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or from bed.
- Urine color: Your urine may turn a reddish-brown color while taking this medication. This is normal and should not be alarming.
- Pregnancy and birth control: This is very important . This medicine can cause serious birth defects in the baby if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment. Talk to your doctor about this and choose a suitable method.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Deferoxamine can have side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, changes in color vision. |
| Hearing problems | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain/redness at the injection site | Redness, swelling, or pain where the injection was given. |
| Stomach pain, diarrhea | Stomach ache, bloating. |
| Dizziness | Feeling of mild dizziness. |
Take-Home Message
- Deferoxamine is a medicine that helps eliminate excess iron in the body through urine.
- Always tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, medications you take, and allergies.
- Do not take iron tablets while taking this medicine. Do not take vitamin C without medical advice.
- If you experience any changes in your vision, hearing, allergic symptoms, or difficulty breathing, notify your doctor immediately .
- Be sure to use an appropriate form of birth control while taking this medication and for one month after stopping.
- If you have any questions or concerns, never be afraid to discuss them with your doctor.
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