Desferal
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: Desferal
Description
Desferal: Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions and Generic Options Desferal, also known as Deferoxamine, is a medication used to treat iron overload in the body. It is important for patients with certain conditions, such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary hemochromatosis, to receive regular treatment with Desferal in order to maintain normal body iron levels. This article will provide information on the uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options available for Desferal. Uses of Desferal: Desferal is used to treat iron overload in the body, which occurs when there is too much iron in the blood. This can happen in patients with certain conditions, such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and diabetes. Desferal works by binding to excess iron in the blood and removing it from the body. Dosage of Desferal: Desferal is typically administered through injection into a muscle or vein, or through subcutaneous infusion. The dosage of Desferal depends on the patient's iron levels and the severity of their condition. The recommended dosage range is 20-40mg per kilogram of body weight per day. The medication should be administered daily, either in a single dose or divided into multiple doses throughout the day. Demographic of Desferal: Desferal is used primarily in patients with certain conditions that lead to iron overload, such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or hereditary hemochromatosis. These conditions may affect people of all ages and demographics, but they are most commonly found in people of Mediterranean, African, and Asian descent. Side Effects of Desferal: Like all medications, Desferal can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Desferal are skin rashes, fever, and headache. Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and kidney damage. Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. Interactions of Desferal: Desferal can interact with other medications, supplements, and foods. Patients taking Desferal should avoid taking vitamin C or iron supplements, as these can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Patients should also avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, or foods they are taking. Generic Options of Desferal: Desferal is available as a brand name medication, but there are also generic options available. The generic form of Desferal is called Deferoxamine mesylate. Generic medications are typically less expensive than their brand name counterparts and may be covered by insurance. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if a generic option is right for them. Conclusion: Desferal is a medication used to treat iron overload in the body, which can cause serious health problems. It is used primarily in patients with certain conditions, such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary hemochromatosis. Desferal is typically administered through injection and the dosage depends on the patient's iron levels and the severity of their condition. Like all medications, Desferal can cause side effects and interact with other medications, supplements, and foods. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if Desferal is right for them and if there are any generic options available.
Faq for Desferal
Desferal is used for the treatment of chronic iron overload caused by repeated blood transfusions.
Desferal is a chelating agent that binds to excess iron in the body, allowing it to be excreted in urine and feces.
Common side effects of Desferal include injection site reactions, fever, rash, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Desferal is typically administered through subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The dosage and administration schedule may vary depending on the individual's iron overload condition.
Desferal can be self-administered through subcutaneous injection for patients who have received proper training from a healthcare professional.
The duration of Desferal treatment can vary depending on the individual's iron overload condition. It may be needed for several years or even lifelong, especially for patients requiring regular blood transfusions.
Desferal should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or deferoxamine. It is also important to monitor kidney function, as Desferal can occasionally cause kidney damage. Precaution should be taken for patients with visual or auditory impairments, since Desferal can potentially cause visual or auditory nerve damage.
Desferal may interact with certain medications such as antacids or vitamin C supplements, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Desferal levels should be monitored regularly by your healthcare provider, including laboratory tests to assess iron overload and potential adverse effects.
Desferal is classified as a category C drug, which means it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Regular monitoring of kidney function and hearing is important during Desferal treatment. It is also essential to follow a low-iron diet and avoid consuming vitamin C supplements as they enhance iron absorption.
There are other iron chelators available, such as Exjade and Ferriprox, which can be used as alternatives to Desferal for iron overload treatment.
Desferal is a medication used to treat iron overload in the body, which can occur in conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemochromatosis.
Desferal works by binding to excess iron in the body and helping the body eliminate it through urine and feces.
Some common side effects of Desferal include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Desferal is usually administered as an injection under the skin or into a muscle using a special infusion pump or an automatic device called an infusion pump.
The duration of Desferal treatment varies depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment. It may be given for a few months or may need to be continued for years or even lifelong.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Desferal during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, certain medications, such as vitamin C, can interact with Desferal. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate frequency for monitoring your iron levels based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
Desferal injections can be self-administered at home, but it is crucial to receive proper training from a healthcare professional on how to administer the medication correctly and safely.
Yes, Desferal can be used in children. The dosage and administration may vary based on the age and weight of the child, as determined by a healthcare professional.