Desfonak^®

Desfonak^® is a chelating agent that binds to trivalent metal ions (such as iron), facilitating their excretion via urine. Therefore, Desfonak^® is used in the management of iron and aluminum poisoning.

• Treatment of acute iron poisoning
• Treatment of chronic iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions in conditions such as thalassemia major or sickle cell anemia
• Diagnosis and treatment of aluminum toxicity in the setting of chronic renal failure

Lyophilized powder containing 500 mg deferoxamine mesylate for preparation of injectable solution

For subcutaneous or intravenous administration of Desfonak^®, add 5 mL of Water for Injection to the vial contents to obtain a solution with a final concentration of 95 mg/mL.

For intramuscular administration, add 2 mL of Water for Injection to the vial contents to obtain a solution with a final concentration of 213 mg/mL.

Intramuscular administration is primarily used in patients with acute iron poisoning who do not present with severe symptoms; however, intravenous administration is generally preferred.

Desfonak^® may be further diluted with the following solutions for intravenous administration:

• Sodium chloride 0.9%
• Dextrose 5%
• Lactated Ringer’s solution

The final solution should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. If any particulate matter or turbidity is observed, the solution must not be used.

This medication may be administered via intramuscular, intravenous, or slow subcutaneous injection.

To reduce the risk of adverse reactions during intravenous administration, the infusion rate should not exceed 15 mg/kg/hour.

• Serum iron levels, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Renal and hepatic function
• Visual and auditory function during long-term therapy
• Growth and body weight in pediatric patients every three months
• Serum aluminum levels in dialysis patients

• Hypersensitivity to deferoxamine or any component of the formulation
• Severe renal impairment
• Anuria

Treatment with deferoxamine may increase susceptibility to various infections. If signs of infection occur, including fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear pain, cough, excessive or discolored sputum, painful urination, or oral ulcers, the physician should be informed immediately.

Administration of this medication may cause discoloration of urine to pink, red, or orange.

Deferoxamine may exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Patients with this condition should inform their physician prior to use.

In patients with cardiac disease, concomitant use of vitamin C with deferoxamine should be avoided unless medically advised.

Any changes in vision or hearing should be reported to a physician immediately.

Symptoms suggestive of pulmonary or respiratory complications, such as dyspnea, cough, or fever, require prompt medical attention.

In pediatric patients receiving deferoxamine, growth parameters should be regularly monitored.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, consult your physician before using deferoxamine.

Like all medications, deferoxamine may cause adverse effects, although not all patients experience them. Potential adverse reactions include:

• Urine discoloration
• Headache, dizziness, and paresthesia
• Hypotension and palpitations
• Injection site reactions (including erythema, pruritus, burning sensation, etc.), skin rash, and urticaria
• Muscle spasms or myalgia
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Fever
• Elevated liver enzymes

Concomitant use of deferoxamine with other medications or supplements should be undertaken only under the supervision of a physician or pharmacist.

Each package contains 10 vials of Desfonak^®.

• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.
• Use only until the expiration date indicated on the packaging. Do not use or store expired medication.
• Keep the product in its original packaging until use.

1. Deferoxamine: Drug information, UpToDate 2025
2. http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3813/smpc