Skip to main content

Deferoxamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 14, 2023.

Applies to deferoxamine: injection powder for solution.

Serious side effects of deferoxamine

Along with its needed effects, deferoxamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking deferoxamine:

More common

  • bluish fingernails, lips, or skin
  • blurred vision or other problems with vision
  • convulsions (seizures)
  • difficulty with breathing or fast breathing
  • fast heartbeat
  • hearing problems
  • redness or flushing of the skin

Less common

  • diarrhea
  • difficult urination
  • fever
  • leg cramps
  • nausea
  • stomach and muscle cramps
  • stomach discomfort
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • vomiting

Incidence not known

  • agitation
  • coma
  • confusion
  • cough
  • decreased urine output
  • depression
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • hives
  • hostility
  • irritability
  • itching
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • lethargy
  • muscle twitching
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • rapid weight gain
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rash
  • stupor
  • swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • wheezing

Other side effects of deferoxamine

Some side effects of deferoxamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to deferoxamine: injectable powder for injection.

General

The most common adverse events were injection site reactions (pain, swelling, infiltration, erythema, pruritus, eschar/crust), and arthralgia/myalgia.[Ref]

Local

Musculoskeletal

Gastrointestinal

Dermatologic

Nervous system

Other

Respiratory

Hematologic

Cardiovascular

Genitourinary

Immunologic

Ocular

Hypersensitivity

Renal

Hepatic

Metabolic

Endocrine

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Desferal (deferoxamine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. (2015) "Product Information. Deferoxamine Mesylate (deferoxamine)." Hospira Inc

Further information

Deferoxamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.