IV Iron

[Kayholio]

Anyone else have to get this done? I have to go to my clinic next week for my first dose. Did you have any side effects during/after?

[msrosefromms]

I have had IV iron numerous times. I have had no problems during the IV. It does cause constipation.

[Cordelia]

This stuff is nasty for me. I have given 'specific' instructions to my unit that when they want to give me IV iron, they have to warn me cuz I have to start pumping the Senokot (laxative) at least a day before since its terribly constipating!!!!!

The first time I had it and didn't know, I ended up being horribly constipated and the first BM after liquid iron I felt like I was giving birth to a baby from my behind!                  

[jbeany]

It tastes funny when they starting pumping it, just like the saline does - seems like it was a bit like licorice.  Which would have been fine if I liked licorice.  Bring a mint or tic tacs to suck on to cover the taste.

[KAF454]

Just had it done again today. I researched the procedure the first time I was going to have Venofer and went in with a lot of apprehension only to find it's no big deal for me. Personally, I've never had any negative effects from the stuff. My experience doesn't mean squat to you except it should tell you iron infusions don't necessarily affect everybody the same way... as opposed to something like, oh, colonoscopy prep. My Davita PD nurse pushes Venofer from a syringe through an IV line. She pushes 250ML in 10 minutes or 100ML in 5 minutes. She also draws my labs through that same line before infusing the Venofer. Hospital protocol here takes 3 hours to infuse 250ML via IV drip.

[jeannea]

I had no problems with IV iron. The worst part for me was getting the IV started. I have crappy veins. Then they push it in from a syringe slowly. Then they would get me a drink and I would read a book for a half hour. Then I went home. I was on PD so I was always constipated anyway and I didn't notice any change.

[Grumpy-1]

Had it done twice.  First time they took about an hour via drip.  The second time was smaller dose and used a syringe only a few minutes.  As mentioned, funny taste, take a mint and take a laxative later.  Grumpy

[wbdoug]

I get iron every month when I go for my labs. I have not noticed any side effects.

Bill

[deniferfer]

I have had it a couple of times and had no side affects. (and I'm sensitive to medications) But they also gave me benadryl before the iron, just in case and that made me go to sleep as they were putting it in the IV.   

[boswife]

right now, we're doing once a week after rince back.  Bo has had it on and off w/no side effects at all.  This sure shows how different we all can be.  We're at home and disperse one vile of venofer over a 10 min period and flush with saline after. 

[KatieV]

right now, we're doing once a week after rince back.  Bo has had it on and off w/no side effects at all.  This sure shows how different we all can be.  We're at home and disperse one vile of venofer over a 10 min period and flush with saline after.

You're doing it directly into the line?  I've been getting venofer through the "pigtail" on the NxStage cycler.  I love that I can do it at home.  I've had no side effects. 

Before, I have had to miss work/school for the infusion.  I also got awful hand and arm cramps.  And I am difficult to "stab", so always had about 4 tries to get an IV in.

[Joe]

I typically get IV Iron during my monthly labs. We've found that my body assimilates the IV Iron better than the oral version. Haven't had any adverse effects from it, at least not yet. The MiraLax and stool softener I take because of being on PD seem to eliminate the constipation side effect. Hope all goes as well with yours.

[boswife]

right now, we're doing once a week after rince back.  Bo has had it on and off w/no side effects at all.  This sure shows how different we all can be.  We're at home and disperse one vile of venofer over a 10 min period and flush with saline after.

You're doing it directly into the line?  I've been getting venofer through the "pigtail" on the NxStage cycler.  I love that I can do it at home.  I've had no side effects. 

Before, I have had to miss work/school for the infusion.  I also got awful hand and arm cramps.  And I am difficult to "stab", so always had about 4 tries to get an IV in.

We DO do it right through the V line now but i would prefer the 'pigtail'.  When we started home D we used the pigtail and i felt better that way as it seemed more diluted.  We just go very slow throught the V though as thats what they 'told' us to do now.