Has anyone with MGUS had an iron transfusion?

Posted by Thea @theadosi, Jan 29 4:01pm

Wondering if anybody with MGUS has had an iron infusion. My family doctor has ordered and my haematologist approved, but I’m wondering if anybody has heard anything about risk of progression or anything like that. I am a little bit worried to do anything with my blood right now as I’ve only been recently diagnosed. I did read that certain surgeries can increase the risk of progression. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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paula0 | @paula0 | Jan 30 6:08am

I had an iron infusion (ordered by my GP) in August after months of taking oral iron wasn't helpful. Latest annual check in with my Waldenstrom's doc shows virtually no changes in numbers over the last year. The iron infusion did give me a nice energy boost that lasted 3-4 months.

Thea | @theadosi | Jan 30 10:34am

In reply to @paula0 "I had an iron infusion (ordered by my GP) in August after months of taking oral..." + (show)

@paula0 thanks for the info Paula! Did you have any negative side effects after the infusion? I’ve read a lot about allergic reactions and flu like symptoms.

paula0 | @paula0 | Jan 30 2:09pm

I had no problem with my infusion and declined the prophylactic benedryl that was offered beforehand. The hospital-based clinic *did* set up the infusion to work slowly... took close to an hour and a half. I've read that iron infusions now can be done in a doctor's office (not a special lab) and can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-intravenous-iron-supplementation). This NYT article from June 2025 (that mentions that anemia can arise from bone marrow disorders) may also be of interest: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/health/anemia-intravenous-iron.html

tracypage | @tracypage | Jan 31 8:56am

I have had 2 so far and about due. It will likely make you feel better. It has never impacted my numbers aka m spike or immunoglobulins or flc.

sed05 | @sed05 | Jan 31 2:55pm

I have had several IV infusions of Iron in the past & it has always helped! No side effects with any of them. My stomach cannot absorb or store iron so this is what my provider orders.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 12 8:45pm

@theadosi, did you decide to have the infusion? How did it go?

Thea | @theadosi | Feb 14 12:26pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@theadosi, did you decide to have the infusion? How did it go?" + (show)

@colleenyoung hi Colleen, no not yet. I’m trying a high dose iron pill every other day for now 😊

ajbonett | @ajbonett | Feb 15 4:56am

I have had several iron infusions and could likely receive one at my oncology appointment in a few weeks. I've never had an issue and my smouldering myeloma is stable. As someone above has said, the energy boost is welcome. My doc has an infusion center attached to the office so we just do it there. They take about 90 minutes. Doing an infusion too fast can cause more side effects so make sure they take their time. It's ok to be worried and ask questions, especially if you are new to this. Summer is coming. Eat lots of fresh veggies and replace lettuce with raw spinach to keep those iron levels up. Best of luck to you.

amberl99 | @amberl99 | Feb 15 10:19am

In reply to @ajbonett "I have had several iron infusions and could likely receive one at my oncology appointment in..." + (show)

@ajbonett same for me. I also have SMM and get iron infusions. I have anemia but not severe enough to qualify as MM. The periodic iron infusions are very helpful. I get mine over 3 hours. Must hydrate well before and after or I get a headache.

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