Desferal

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Desferal if you have had an allergic reaction to deferoxamine or any of its inactive ingredients, or if you have severe kidney disease or do not produce urine (anuria). Allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis. Treatment requires caution because of possible hearing or vision damage, kidney injury and severe breathing problems. Hearing and vision risks are greater with prolonged treatment, high doses or low ferritin levels. Older adults have an increased risk of eye disorders. Kidney function should be monitored. Growth suppression has occurred in children, particularly with high doses and low ferritin levels. Serious Yersinia and mucormycosis infections, sometimes fatal, have occurred and require immediate discontinuation and appropriate treatment. In people with aluminium overload, treatment can cause neurological problems, including seizures, dialysis dementia and worsening hyperparathyroidism. Vitamin C taken with Desferal can cause heart dysfunction. This combination should be avoided in people with heart failure; combined treatment requires cardiac monitoring. Desferal can harm an unborn baby. People who could become pregnant should use effective contraception. Do not breastfeed during treatment. Dizziness may affect the ability to drive or use machinery.