Deferoxamine Mesylate Drug Information
Generic name: DEFEROXAMINE MESYLATE
Uses of Deferoxamine Mesylate
- Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is an iron-chelating agent indicated:
- As an adjunct to standard measures for the treatment of acute iron intoxication. ( 1.1 )
- For the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with chronic anemia. ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is not indicated for the treatment of primary hemochromatosis (since phlebotomy is the method of choice for removing excess iron in this disorder). 1.1 Acute Iron Intoxication Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is indicated as an adjunct to standard measures for the treatment of acute iron intoxication. 1.2 Chronic Iron Overload Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with chronic anemia. 1.3 Limitations of Use Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is not indicated for the treatment of primary hemochromatosis (since phlebotomy is the method of choice for removing excess iron in this disorder).
Dosage & Administration of Deferoxamine Mesylate
| Vial Size | Route of Administration |
|---|---|
| 500 mg | Intramuscular |
| 500 mg | Intravenous* |
| 500 mg | Subcutaneous |
| 2 g | Intramuscular |
| 2 g | Intravenous |
| 2 g | Subcutaneous |
Side Effects of Deferoxamine Mesylate
- The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
- Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
- Auditory and Ocular Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
- Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
- Respiratory Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
- Growth Suppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
- Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]
- Cardiac Dysfunction with Concomitant Use of Vitamin C [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]
- Risks of Deferoxamine mesylate Treatment in Patients with Aluminum Overload [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]
- Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] 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. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gland Pharma Limited at 866-770-7144 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The following adverse reactions associated with the use of deferoxamine mesylate were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. At the Injection Site: Localized irritation, pain, burning, swelling, induration, infiltration, pruritus, erythema, wheal formation, eschar, crust, vesicles, local edema. Injection site reactions may be associated with systemic allergic reactions ([see Body as a Whole, below)] Hypersensitivity Reactions and Systemic Allergic Reactions: Generalized rash, urticaria, anaphylactic reaction with or without shock, angioedema Body as a Whole: Local injection site reactions may be accompanied by systemic reactions like arthralgia, fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or asthma Infections: Yersinia, mucormycosis Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, hypotension, shock Digestive: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Hematologic: Blood dyscrasia (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) Hepatic: Increased transaminases, hepatic dysfunction Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasms. Growth retardation and bone changes (e.g., metaphyseal dysplasia) Nervous System: Neurological disturbances, including dizziness, peripheral sensory, motor, or mixed neuropathy, paresthesias, seizures; exacerbation or precipitation of aluminum-related dialysis encephalopathy Special Senses: High-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, visual disturbances including acuity, blurred vision, loss of vision, dyschromatopsia, night blindness, visual field defects, scotoma, retinopathy (pigmentary degeneration), optic neuritis, and cataracts Respiratory: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (with dyspnea, cyanosis, and/or interstitial infiltrates) Skin: Generalized rash Urogenital: Dysuria, acute renal failure, increased serum creatinine and renal tubular disorders
Warnings & Cautions for Deferoxamine Mesylate
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: More common with rapid intravenous infusion. Administer intramuscularly or by slow subcutaneous or intravenous infusion. ( 5.1 )
- Auditory and Ocular Toxicity: Have been reported when administered over prolonged periods of time, at high doses, or in patients with low ferritin levels. ( 5.2 )
- Renal Toxicity: Cases of acute renal failure, renal tubular disorders and increase in serum creatinine have occurred. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. ( 5.3 )
- Respiratory Toxicity: Acute respiratory distress syndrome has occurred. Risk increased with high intravenous doses. Recommended daily dose should not be exceeded. ( 5.4 )
- 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. ( 5.5 )
- Serious Infections: Cases of mucormycosis and Yersinia infections, some fatal, have occurred. Discontinue deferoxamine mesylate and initiate appropriate treatment immediately. ( 5.6 )
- Cardiac Dysfunction with Concomitant Use of Vitamin C: Avoid coadministration in patients with cardiac failure. Delay Vitamin C for one month after start of deferoxamine mesylate. Avoid exceeding 200 mg daily in adults. Monitor cardiac function with combined treatment. ( 5.7 )
- Risks of Deferoxamine Mesylate Treatment in Patients with Aluminum Overload: Risks include neurological dysfunction (including seizures), dialysis dementia, and aggravation of hyperparathyroidism. ( 5.8 )
- Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: May cause dizziness. ( 5.9 )
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and use effective contraception. ( 5.10 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients. Reactions have included flushing of the skin, urticaria, hypotension, and shock. These reactions typically occur when deferoxamine mesylate was administered by rapid intravenous injection. Therefore, administer deferoxamine mesylate intramuscularly or by slow subcutaneous or intravenous infusion. 5.2 Auditory and Ocular Toxicity Ocular and auditory toxicities have been reported in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients. The ocular toxicities observed have included blurring of vision; cataracts after prolonged administration in chronic iron overload; decreased visual acuity, including visual loss, visual defects, scotoma; impaired peripheral, color, and night vision; optic neuritis, cataracts, corneal opacities, and retinal pigmentary abnormalities. The auditory toxicities reported have been tinnitus and hearing loss, including high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Risk factors for both ocular and auditory disturbances include prolonged treatment duration, higher doses, or low ferritin levels. In most cases, both ocular and auditory disturbances were reversible upon immediate cessation of treatment [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examinations, funduscopy and audiometry are recommended periodically in patients treated for prolonged periods of time. Toxicity is more likely to be reversed if symptoms or test abnormalities are detected early. 5.3 Renal Toxicity Renal toxicity, including increases in serum creatinine (possibly dose-related), acute renal failure and renal tubular disorders has occurred in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients. Deferoxamine mesylate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal disease [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Monitor serum creatinine to assess for changes in renal function. 5.4 Respiratory Toxicity Acute respiratory distress syndrome has occurred in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients following treatment with excessively high intravenous doses of deferoxamine mesylate in patients with acute iron intoxication or thalassemia. The recommended daily doses should therefore not be exceeded. 5.5 Growth Suppression High doses of deferoxamine mesylate and concomitant low ferritin levels have also been associated with growth suppression in pediatric patients. After reduction of deferoxamine mesylate dose, growth velocity may partially resume to pre-treatment rates. Monitor growth (weight and height) in pediatric patients treated with deferoxamine mesylate every 3 months. 5.6 Serious Infections Yersinia Infections Deferoxamine mesylate may increase the risk of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections. Avoid starting deferoxamine mesylate treatment in patients with active Yersinia infections. Should Yersinia infection develop, interrupt deferoxamine mesylate treatment until the infection is resolved. Mucormycosis Cases of mucormycosis, some with a fatal outcome, have occurred in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients. Signs or symptoms are specific to the site of infection. If mucormycosis is suspected, discontinue deferoxamine mesylate, conduct mycological testing, and treat immediately. 5.7 Cardiac Dysfunction with Concomitant Use of Vitamin C Cardiac dysfunction has occurred in deferoxamine mesylate-treated patients with severe chronic iron overload following concomitant treatment with high doses of vitamin C (more than 500 mg daily in adults). The cardiac dysfunction was reversible when vitamin C was discontinued. The following precautions should be taken when vitamin C and deferoxamine mesylate are to be used concomitantly:
- Vitamin C supplements should not be given to patients with cardiac failure.
- Start supplemental vitamin C only after an initial month of regular treatment with deferoxamine mesylate.
- Give vitamin C only if the patient is receiving deferoxamine mesylate regularly, ideally soon after setting up the infusion pump.
- Do not exceed a daily vitamin C dose of 200 mg in adults, given in divided doses. In general, 50 mg daily suffices for pediatric patients under 10 years old and 100 mg for older pediatric patients.
- Clinical monitoring of cardiac function is advisable during such combined therapy. 5.8 Risks of Deferoxamine Mesylate Treatment in Patients with Aluminum Overload Deferoxamine mesylate may cause neurological dysfunction (including seizures) in patients with aluminum-related encephalopathy and receiving dialysis, possibly due to an acute increase in circulating aluminum [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Deferoxamine mesylate may precipitate the onset of dialysis dementia. Treatment with deferoxamine mesylate in the presence of aluminum overload may result in decreased serum calcium and aggravation of hyperparathyroidism. 5.9 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Deferoxamine mesylate may cause dizziness, which may impair the ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how deferoxamine mesylate will affect their ability to engage in these activities. 5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animals, deferoxamine mesylate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of deferoxamine to pregnant mice and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused adverse developmental outcomes including decreased fetal body weights and malformations at maternal doses less than those in patients at maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with deferoxamine mesylate and for one month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] .
Drug Interactions with Deferoxamine Mesylate
- Concurrent treatment with prochlorperazine may lead to temporary impairment of consciousness. ( 7.1 )
- Imaging results may be distorted due to rapid urinary excretion of deferoxamine mesylate bound gallium-67. Discontinue deferoxamine mesylate 48 hours prior to scintigraphy. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Prochlorperazine Concurrent treatment with deferoxamine mesylate and prochlorperazine, a phenothiazine derivative, may lead to temporary impairment of consciousness. 7.2 Gallium-67 Imaging results may be distorted because of the rapid urinary excretion of deferoxamine mesylate-bound gallium-67. Discontinue deferoxamine mesylate 48 hours prior to scintigraphy.
Pregnancy Safety for Deferoxamine Mesylate
Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on deferoxamine mesylate use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriages or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies subcutaneous administration of deferoxamine to pregnant animals (mice or rabbits) during organogenesis at doses approximately ≥0.2- (mice) and ≥0.7 (rabbits) times the maximum recommended human dose resulted in maternal toxicity and adverse developmental outcomes (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Consider the benefits and risks of deferoxamine mesylate for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing deferoxamine mesylate to a pregnant woman.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal developmental study in mice, pregnant animals administered subcutaneous doses of deferoxamine at 180, and 540 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 to gestation day 12 resulted in a dose dependent delay and irregularities of fetal skeletal maturation at doses ≥0.2 times the MRHD. At the highest dose of 540 mg/kg, in 1/23 fetuses had a unilateral lesion to the eye lens (approximately 0.5 times the MRHD). In the embryo-fetal developmental studies in rabbits, pregnant animals administered subcutaneous doses of deferoxamine either 200 mg/kg or 200, 300, and 540 mg/kg from gestation day 6 to gestation day 14 resulted in maternal toxicity and embryo-fetal developmental effects at 0.7 times the MRHD. Maternal toxicity included reduced fetal body weights and embryo-fetal effects included malformations of spina bifida, and increased incidence of abnormally ossified ribs and vertebrae. No maternal toxicity or embryo-fetal effects were observed in rats at deferoxamine doses tested (up to 0.9 times the MRHD).
Pediatric Use of Deferoxamine Mesylate
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients 3 years of age and older have been established for the treatment of acute iron intoxication and for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with chronic anemia. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under the age of 3 years have not been established. Iron mobilization with deferoxamine mesylate is relatively poor in patients under the age of 3 years with relatively little iron overload.
Deferoxamine mesylate is not recommended for use. The drug should ordinarily not be given to these patients unless significant iron mobilization (e.g., 1 mg or more of iron per day) can be demonstrated. High doses of deferoxamine mesylate and concomitant low ferritin levels have been associated with growth suppression in pediatric patients.
Monitor weight and height in pediatric patients receiving deferoxamine mesylate every 3 months .
Contraindications for Deferoxamine Mesylate
- Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is contraindicated in patients with:
- A history of a hypersensitivity reaction to deferoxamine or any of its inactive ingredients [see Description ( 11 )] . Reactions have included anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
- Severe renal disease or anuria since the drug and the iron chelate are excreted primarily by the kidney [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
- Known hypersensitivity to the active substance. ( 4 )
- Patients with severe renal disease or anuria. ( 4 )
Overdosage Information for Deferoxamine Mesylate
Acute Toxicity Intravenous LD 50 s (mg/kg): mice, 287; rats, 329. Inadvertent administration of an overdose or inadvertent intravenous bolus administration/rapid intravenous infusion may be associated with hypotension, tachycardia and gastrointestinal disturbances; acute but transient loss of vision, aphasia, agitation, headache, nausea, pallor, CNS depression, including coma, bradycardia and acute renal failure have been reported. Acute respiratory distress syndrome has been reported following treatment with excessively high intravenous doses of deferoxamine mesylate for injection in patients with acute iron intoxication and in patients with thalassemia. There is no specific antidote for deferoxamine mesylate overdose.
In case of overdose, discontinue deferoxamine mesylate and provide symptomatic supportive care. Deferoxamine mesylate is readily dialyzable.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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