Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Desferrioxamine Mesylate (DBL) TM

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Active ingredients: desferrioxamine

Brand name

(ARTG)

: DBL DESFERRIOXAMINE MESYLATE FOR INJECTION BP 2g/vial

Download the Consumer Medicine Information Leaflet

Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website

What this medicine is used for

(ARTG)

Chronic Iron Overload. Desferrioxamine mesylate 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 mesylate 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 mesylate. The drug is not normally given to such patients unless significant iron mobilisation of 1mg or more of iron per day can be demonstrated. Desferrioxamine mesylate 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 mesylate 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.

How to use this medicine

(ARTG)

This medicine contains one component only.

Component :

  • Injection, powder for
  • Intravenous
  • White to cream powder or lyophilised plug.

Storage conditions

(ARTG)

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

Do I need a prescription ?

(ARTG)

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

  • 1 x 50mL vial pack

Is this medicine subsidised ?

(PBS)

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on September, 1 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy ?

(AHT)

For the active ingredient desferrioxamine

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.