Iron Infusion #3 – Allergic Reaction
January 18, 2009 by Traci
Filed under Nutrition Needs
Fall 2007 was when I had my first iron infusion due to my dangerously low ferritin levels that triggered a mild heart attack. The first infusion was with Infed and while the infusion itself went fine, afterward I developed an itchy rash over my whole body and was slightly feverish. So we knew I could not use that particular iron again.
So a few months later, my levels were low again and this time we use Venofer, which is given once per week over 5 weeks, instead of in one 5 hour dose like Infed. I did not notice any side effects during my first round of infusions with Venofer, which ended in June 2008.
Now here it is January 2009 and I’m needing an infusion once again. Go in last week and get my first of five Venofer and for three days felt ‘blah’: tired, ran a slight fever and generally felt unwell. I did not actually connect it to the infusion at all – because so much flu is going around, thought I was getting sick with a virus.
Fast forward to yesterday. I go in for my second round of Venofer and about halfway through the dose, started feeling ‘blah’ again: as in tired, weak, then started getting a headache, dizzy and really feeling bad. My arm was hurting where the infusion was going in. I mentioned that I didn’t feel well and what had happened last week – more as a side comment; but when she double-checked possible side-effects for Venofer initially – malaise was one. Mmmm? So she checks my blood pressure and it was way up 142/115. It was only 115/80 when I got there. She checked further into allergic reactions and I had nearly every one, except anaphalactic shock!
By the time we put all this together, my infusion was done (they only take 30 minutes). She got the IV out right away, called my doctor and he ordered steroids and tons of bloodwork. They kept me for a bit and I then went home.
We will wait on the bloodwork and I will converse with my doctor before I have any more infusions. I believe there is only Ferrilicit left to use – that’s pretty much it, as I believe most others are generics of the name brands.
I’ve read that many continue with the iron infusions, with side effects, and just take the steroids and Benedryl IV to counteract those. Not sure I’m comfortable doing that, as my symptoms seem to get progressively worse each time.
Unfortunately as a gastric bypass post-op, we especially have a nearly impossible time absorbing iron. The upper part of the small intestine is where the majority of iron is absborbed by the body – we no longer have that. So it’s difficult for us to absorb what we need with the short length of small intestine we have left. I’m 4.5 years post-op and have been battling this for about 1.5 years; even though I took iron supplements from day one after my surgery. It just isn’t enough.
If you are a gastric bypass post-op that had a malabsorptive procedure, I’d be very intersted to hear how your bloodwork is coming out and in particular what your iron and ferritin levels are and what supplements you’re taking. Getting the right form and amount of nutritional supplements is truly an art form!
Please post your comments or your experiences below.
Harold C. Medlin on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 11:09 pm
Two days ago I had my second iron infusion and it was tough. The first time I had one, the doctor had prescribed a lesser dose to see how I would react to it. My only problem then was an itchy feeling that was controlled by an antihistamine. The next day I felt tired but it a couple of weeks that stuff kicked in and, man, did I feel good.
About two months later I had the second infusion with an increased dosage. Half way through, the itching started and this time it was not as controlled by the antihistamine, The drip was stopped and I only got about half of the amount prescribed.
I was about an hour away from home and my wife drove me home (thank goodness) and I slept all the way and was completely exausted. I went immeditely to bed and slept 12 hours and was still as weak as water when I got up. This morning I was some better but tried to do some light work but in a couple of hours I was back in bed again.
They say that that next time they will use a different type of iron and pump me up with antihistamine before we start.
The need for all this was because of intestinal bleeding that followed a colonoscope and the removal of several large pollops.
Next week I go back for another colonoscope and all the bleeder will be cauterized.
Getting old is certainly no fun but it beats the other alternative.
Eugenia Chiles on Fri, 21st Aug 2009 8:46 pm
This will be my first time to get iron infusion. They don’t know why I have no blood. Just said this would take care of it this time. Is it normal for them to do this without finding the problem? They done a bone marrow biopsy and still don’t know.
Shannon on Tue, 25th Aug 2009 10:52 pm
I too am nearly 5 years pot op gastric bypass. Can not take oral iron. Now am anemic and very iron deficent. I recently had an Infed infusion. The infusion itself went well but shortly after my hands and other areas blistered and have been peeling for the past 3 weeks. A week after ny axillafy nodes were inflammed and swollen and my gums have been bleeding ever since the infusion (normally very healthy). I am an RN and wondering if anyone has had similar side effects
Traci on Mon, 7th Sep 2009 8:39 pm
Hi Eugenia and Shannon. Thank you for your comments.
Since I too am allergic to at least 3 forms of infusable iron, I’m no longer able to receive infusions.
What I’m currently taking (and for now, at least, does seem to be working) is liquid iron by mouth. I had not tried liquid iron previously, only chewables. I needed infusions to quickly bring up my iron levels, and I’m hoping/praying that liquid iron will maintain my iron levels.I’m taking Floradix Iron (http://www.tripleclicks.com/detail.php?item=1025/10451908/), plus their liquid multivitamin and their liquid calcium + Vit. D – in addition to protein shakes and a few other vitamin supplements & weekly B12 shots.
DACOSTA on Fri, 11th Sep 2009 5:00 pm
I am 5yr post op gastric bypass, for the past year i have been fight fatigue, heart palpations, stomach bloating. Went to pcp did blood work iron was extremely low and vitamin D also below charts. After months of oral iron pill, levels stayed the same. So started Iron Infusion 2 wks ago the first time i was ok but this time my teeth started to hurt and sensitive to hot and cold, i never had that before.
Renee on Tue, 15th Sep 2009 2:30 pm
Shannon, I had my first iron IV on a Wednesday. The nurses told me that any side affects would occur within 24 hours, most of which would occur immediately. On Sunday I began to have a very red rash, like solid sunburn, which ultimatley peeled like sunburn in the groin area. Also, my palms have tiny bumps and are extremely itchy. When I contacted the hospital the nurse checked with the pharmasist and they said that it was highly unlikely this was due to the iron infusion since it started appearing 4 days later, adding that most alergic reactions occur on the stomach or back, not the groin. Now that I’ve read many of these messages, I am sure that it was a side affect. I will contact the hemotologist and find out what type of iron infusion they used, so I know better for next time.
Traci on Tue, 15th Sep 2009 2:45 pm
It’s possible it was a reaction. I wouldn’t completely rule it out. I had a rash after one of my infusions, and it started about 2 days later, if I’m remembering correctly.
Traci on Tue, 15th Sep 2009 2:46 pm
I’ve never heard of that before either – but iron infusions seem to be something many are allergic to.
Elise on Tue, 29th Sep 2009 1:45 am
Had infed iron infusion today. I just feel flu like. Ended up here after blood transfusion a couple days ago due to menses hemmorhage…an ongoing problem and have had 2 procedures to try to correct. Did not love the infusion, but hopefully the flu like symptoms will go away. Nurse said next time they would not use benadryl and I am not comfortable with that. This is not the worst, but it is not how I expected to feel.
Traci on Tue, 29th Sep 2009 2:28 am
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this Elise. I agree, I wouldn’t be comfortable without the Benedryl either. The Benedryl is used to counteract any potential allergic side effects. Although I do believe feeling flu-like is common after an iron infusion, if you do develop an allergic reaction, the next time would be when symptoms appear.
Have you tried liquid iron – that you drink? I’m doing that now, so far – so good. Hoping it holds my levels up where they need to be.