Deferoxamine has a poor oral bioavailability. It is administered
subcutaneously, intravenously, or occasionally intramuscularly. It
has a short half-life, necessitating administration at least eight to
twelve hours daily, five to seven days per week. Generally, iron is
removed much more efficiently when deferoxamine is infused over
a longer period of time. It also can be given intravenously 24 hours
per day when indicated. The primary—if not the only—reason
deferoxamine is ineffective in some patients is poor compliance.