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Deferoxamine
About Deferoxamine
A medication that binds excess iron and removes it from the body. Deferoxamine or Desferal treats iron poisoning and iron overload from conditions requiring frequent blood transfusions including thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Without treatment, iron overload damages the heart, liver, and endocrine organs. Deferoxamine is given by injection, which is burdensome. Oral iron chelators including deferasirox provide alternatives. The drug has saved countless lives of patients who require lifelong transfusions. It is on the WHO essential medicines list.