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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Desferal, also known as Deferoxamine Mesylate, is a powerful drug mainly used to treat acute iron poisoning and chronic iron overload conditions associated with transfusion-dependent anemias. This FDA-approved chelating agent works by binding to excess iron and facilitating its excretion, primarily through the kidneys.
Before you buy Desferal, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Desferal cost.
Fact Table: Desferal (Deferoxamine Mesylate) | |
---|---|
Formula | C25H48N6O8S |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Not well absorbed orally; better via intramuscular or subcutaneous routes |
Legal status | Prescription drug |
Chemical Name | Deferoxamine mesylate |
Elimination half-life | 20-30 minutes |
Dosage (Strength) | 500 mg and 2 g vials for injection |
Pregnancy | Consult healthcare provider; use with caution |
Brands | Desferal |
Protein binding | Less than 10% |
PubChem CID | 3033775 |
MedlinePlus | Desferal |
ChEBI | 4353 |
ATC code | V03AC01 |
DrugBank | DB00746 (Deferoxamine) |
KEGG | D02372 |
Routes of administration | Intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous |
Desferal should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider experienced in the management of chronic iron overload or acute iron intoxication.
Desferal dosage is typically administered via subcutaneous infusion using a small portable pump, which allows for slow infusion over 8-12 hours, generally during nighttime.
The usual dose ranges from 20 to 50 mg/kg body weight daily, depending on the level of iron overload and the patient's response to therapy.
The active ingredient in Desferal is Deferoxamine Mesylate.
Patients need to be observed for allergic reactions and should seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms like rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is recommended during treatment with Desferal. It may be necessary to adjust the dose in patients with impaired kidney or liver function.
Long-term use of Desferal can affect hearing and vision. Periodic hearing tests and eye exams are recommended.
Desferal can interact with other medications, which can alter the way your medicines work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Some interactions include vitamin C, prochlorperazine and other iron chelators.
While Desferal is effective in managing iron levels, it can cause side effects, some of which may require medical attention. Common side effects include:
What is Desferal?
Desferal (generic name: deferoxamine) is a medication used to treat chronic iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions or conditions such as thalassemia. It is classified as a chelating agent, which means it binds to excess iron in the body and helps remove it.
What is Desferal used for?
Desferal is primarily used to treat iron overload in patients who receive frequent blood transfusions. It is also used in cases of acute iron poisoning and to manage aluminum toxicity in patients undergoing dialysis.
Where do you inject Desferal?
Desferal can be injected subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into a muscle), or intravenously (into a vein). Subcutaneous injection is the most common method for long-term therapy.
How to give Desferal injection?
There are three main methods for administering Desferal:
Is Desferal a chemo drug?
No, Desferal is not a chemotherapy drug. It is a chelating agent used to remove excess iron from the body.
What is the infusion rate for Desferal?
The infusion rate for subcutaneous administration of Desferal is generally between 20-50 mg/kg body weight per day, typically infused over 8-12 hours. The exact rate and duration depend on the patient's condition and the prescribing doctor's instructions.
How often is Desferal given?
Desferal is usually administered daily for patients with chronic iron overload. The frequency and dosage can vary based on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to the treatment.
What is the contraindication for Desferal?
Desferal is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deferoxamine or any of its components. It should also be used cautiously in patients with renal impairment or those with severe acute infections.
What are the active ingredients in Desferal?
The active ingredient in Desferal is deferoxamine mesylate.
What is the classification of Desferal?
Desferal is classified as a chelating agent. It works by binding to excess iron in the body, which is then excreted through the urine or feces.