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Iron Infusions/Side Effects

Posted by frances007 @frances007, Jul 26, 2023

Hello, I received my first of two iron infusions last Friday. Afterwards I felt like Popeye. A couple of hours later I broke out in a terrible rash which was unexpected. However, my hematologist has suggested I take benadryl before this Friday's infusion. The nurse at the infusion center did inform me that I might feel rather "flu like" for a couple of days following the infusion. While I am not usually one to complain about much, I was sicker than a dog all weekend. The symptoms reminded me of how I felt after getting one of my COVID-19 vaccinations. Has anyone else had these reactions after an iron infusion, or are these symptoms a fragment of my imagination?

I am unable to take oral iron supplements because they cause terrible stomach upset, the details of which I will withhold. Even the slow release ones do not help me.

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stephanie666 | @stephanie666 | 1 day ago
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @stephanie666 I’m so sorry you had such a negative reaction to the iron infusion. How..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Hi @stephanie666 I’m so sorry you had such a negative reaction to the iron infusion. How someone’s body will react to the iron isn’t predictable. I’ve had my share of reactions too from meds and infusions. They’re given with good intentions but since we each have our own body chemistry, we’re not a ‘one size fits all’. Can sure leave us feeling miserable until the side effects go away.

One thing I remember from iron infusions is that phosphate levels can drop fairly quickly. That can cause some of the symptoms you experienced. A simple blood test as a follow-up would help determine if that is a cause or not. I

Just for a quick reference to help you understand a little more about what you’re experiencing and maybe how to avoid it in the future if you need another infusion. (There are other forms of IV infusions, so whatever you received the first time may be replaced with another product. That might work better for you).

Anyway, combing through articles this morning, I found this site called IV Concierge. Their information on why people feel worse after an iron infusion was pretty comprehensive.
https://ivconcierge.com/blog/feeling-worse-after-iron-infusion/
I hope you start feeling better soon.

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@loribmt definitely everyone is responds differently. I am like the worst . At the moment I'm good for iron for atleast 5 months they said. I'll mention the phosphate test to my Dr.
Great thank you I'll take a look at it.

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