In addition to early initiation of therapy, patient compliance is critical to the success of iron chelation. Some patients discontinue Desferal treatment because of the discomfort of repeated needlesticks, a hypersensitive reaction at the site of infusion, or the regimen's inconvenience. Strong supportive care should be given to encourage patients to continue treatment. Many patients find intravenous delivery by way of a slow-infusion pump the most tolerable form of treatment, because the needle remains in for a week, eliminating the need for frequent needlesticks. Furthermore, intravenous chelation is more effective than subcutaneous chelation, often requiring fewer days of therapy.
Some patients experience side effects while on iron chelation therapy.
Possible side effects include bloody urine, blurred vision, rash, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach or leg cramps, fever, rapid heart beat, dizziness, or pain or swelling at the infusion site. Potential long-term adverse reactions include kidney or liver damage, loss of hearing, or cataracts. There is a rare chance of Desferal injuring the retina of the eye. As such, patients should have an exam by an opthamologist prior to starting Desferal therapy and yearly thereafter. Your doctor should also examine your hearing periodically and have tests done to measure your liver enzymes, kidney function, hematocrit, ferritin, and transferrin iron saturation percentage.