Desferal Disease Interactions

The use of deferoxamine is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment or anuria. Deferoxamine chelates iron and the complexes are primarily eliminated by the kidney.

Neurotoxicity-related auditory abnormalities such as tinnitus and hearing loss including deafness have occurred after prolonged therapy or large doses of deferoxamine, or in patients with low ferritin levels. Therapy with deferoxamine should be administered cautiously in patients with hearing impairment. Hearing toxicity is usually reversible if detected early and deferoxamine discontinued.

No studies of deferoxamine have been performed in patients with hepatic impairment. Caution is advised.

Deferoxamine may cause blurred vision, cataracts, decreased visual acuity, and impaired color, peripheral, and night vision. Ocular toxicities have occurred after prolonged therapy, large doses, and in patients with decreased ferritin levels. Therapy with deferoxamine should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to visual defects. Periodic examination of visual acuity is recommended in patients receiving long term deferoxamine therapy. Ocular dysfunction is usually reversible if detected early and deferoxamine is withdrawn promptly.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome has been described in patients with acute iron intoxication or thalassemia following treatment with excessively high intravenous doses of deferoxamine. Caution is recommended when using deferoxamine in these patients.