Deferoxamine is an iron chelator indicated as an adjunct to standard measures for the treatment of acute iron intoxication, among other approved uses. It is available as powder for injection for intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous use. MedsAcross supplies Deferoxamine for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.
Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review
From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.
DESFERAL is an iron-chelating agent indicated: As an adjunct to standard measures for the treatment of acute iron intoxication. For the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with chronic anemia. Limitations of Use. Desferal is not indicated for the treatment of primary hemochromatosis (since phlebotomy is the method of choice for removing excess iron in this disorder).
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Desferal chelates iron by forming a stable complex that prevents the iron from entering into further chemical reactions. It readily chelates iron from ferritin and hemosiderin but not readily from transferrin, it does not combine with the iron from cytochromes and hemoglobin. Desferal does not cause any demonstrable increase in the excretion of electrolytes or trace metals. Theoretically, 100 parts by weight of Desferal is capable of binding approximately 8.5 parts by weight of ferric iron.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
The dosage (based on body weight in mg/kg/day), rates of administration, and mode of administration for both adults and pediatric patients are individually determined and adapted during the course of therapy based on the severity of the patient's iron overload. The minimum daily dose of Desferal is 20 mg/kg/day for both adults and pediatric patients. The maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day for pediatric patients and 60 mg/kg/day for adults. Acute Iron Intoxication: Intramuscular Administration: Use for patients not in shock. Initial dose is 1,000 mg. Depending upon the clinical response, subsequent doses of 500 mg may be administered every 4 hours to 12 hours. Maximum dose is 6,000 mg in 24 hours. Intravenous Administration: Only for patients in a state of cardiovascular collapse. Initial dose is 1,000 mg at a rate not to exceed 15 mg/kg/hr.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Desferal is contraindicated in patients with: A history of a hypersensitivity reaction to deferoxamine or any of its inactive ingredients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis. Severe renal disease or anuria since the drug and the iron chelate are excreted primarily by the kidney. Known hypersensitivity to the active substance. Patients with severe renal disease or anuria.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Hypersensitivity Reactions: More common with rapid intravenous infusion. Administer intramuscularly or by slow subcutaneous or intravenous infusion. Auditory and Ocular Toxicity: Have been reported when administered over prolonged periods of time, at high doses, or in patients with low ferritin levels. Renal Toxicity: Cases of acute renal failure, renal tubular disorders and increase in serum creatinine have occurred. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Respiratory Toxicity: Acute respiratory distress syndrome has occurred. Risk increased with high intravenous doses. Recommended daily dose should not be exceeded. Growth Suppression: Has occurred in pediatric patients treated with high doses and concomitant low ferritin levels. Dose reduction may partially resume growth velocity to pre-treatment rates.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions Auditory and Ocular Toxicity Renal Toxicity Respiratory Toxicity Growth Suppression Serious Infections Cardiac Dysfunction with Concomitant Use of Vitamin C Risks of Desferal Treatment in Patients with Aluminum Overload Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Most common adverse reactions are injection reactions (local and systemic), hypersensitivity reactions, infections with Yersinia and Mucormycosis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematologic, hepatic, musculoskeletal, urogenital, nervous, respiratory, ocular and hearing.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Concurrent treatment with prochlorperazine may lead to temporary impairment of consciousness. Imaging results may be distorted due to rapid urinary excretion of Desferal bound gallium-67. Discontinue Desferal 48 hours prior to scintigraphy.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
Source: US FDA prescribing information
For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.
6 presentations of Deferoxamine, sorted by availability.
| Medicine | Manufacturer | Register | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deferoxamine 2 g powder for injectionIntramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Deferoxamine 500 mg powder for injectionIntramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Deferoxamine 95 mg/mL powder for injectionIntramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Deferoxamine 2 g powder for injectionIntramuscular, intravenousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Desferal 500 mg powder for injectionIntramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous | Novartis Pharmaceuticals | US FDA | Available on request |
| Desferal 500 mg/5 mL powder for injectionIntravenous, subcutaneous | Mitem Pharma | US FDA | Available on request |
1 brand names across 1 markets.
United States
Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.
| Register | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US FDA | First approved 1 April 1968 | Drugs@FDA |
| EU (EMA) | Not recorded | — |
| India (CDSCO) | Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists | — |
| United States | Registered | US FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026 |
Conditions linked to Deferoxamine in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.
Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 6 presentations of Deferoxamine and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.
The catalogue lists 1 brand names for Deferoxamine, including Desferal.
Yes. The US FDA first approved Deferoxamine on 1 April 1968, according to Drugs@FDA.
No listed presentation of Deferoxamine is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.
Deferoxamine is classified under ATC code V03AC01 (Deferoxamine).
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