DESFERRIOXAMINE DEMOGEN (Demogen Australia Pty Ltd trading as DEMOGEN Pharmaceuticals)

Chronic iron overload

Desferrioxamine mesilate is used to promote iron excretion in patients with iron overload as a result of multiple blood transfusions frequently used in the treatment of some chronic anaemias and thalassaemia. Long-term therapy with desferrioxamine mesilate slows accumulation of hepatic iron and retards or eliminates progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Patients under the age of 3 years with small degree of iron overload have relatively poor iron mobilisation with desferrioxamine mesilate. The drug is not normally given to such patients unless significant iron mobilisation of 1 mg or more of iron per day can be demonstrated. Desferrioxamine mesilate is not indicated for the treatment of primary haemochromatosis as phlebotomy is the method of choice for removing excess iron in this disorder.

Acute iron poisoning

Desferrioxamine mesilate is an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, standard measures used in treating acute iron poisoning, which may include induction of emesis, gastric lavage, suction and maintenance of a clear airway, control of shock with intravenous fluids, blood, oxygen and vasopressor and correction of acidosis.