Iron Infusion Reactions

[UkrainianTracksuit]

I’ve just come back from Belarus a few days ago.  (To the dismay of family and renal team.)  Anyways, near the end of my stay, I started to feel tired and nauseated.  Generally ill.  I shouldn’t have waited for help but I did.  When I couldn’t keep anything down (including popsicles), I went in for medical care when I got home.  I chalked this all up to possible influenza.

As per usual, tests were ordered.  The tests came back to show my function dropped a little, dehydration and my haemoglobin was very low (lower than last round of blood work last month).  My neph decided it was best to have the iron infusion that was booked for later this week.  (On top of the nausea meds and fluids.)  I’ve had many iron infusions and I’ve never had side effects or symptoms until now.  I developed a rash, metallic taste in mouth and the nausea has increased tenfold.  I was informed that these symptoms weren’t a big deal so not to worry.

On top of all this, I’m dealing with phlebitis due to the IV‘s.  I had 3 IV access points hooked up and each one was difficult to get into the vein.  (One in each hand and then one in my forearm.)  Lots of pushing in/pulling out and totally redoing the whole thing once.  As you can imagine, I’m dealing with hard swelling and INTENSE pain in each location.  While the painkillers are making me loopy, I’ve got a slight fever now too.

Is it possible that I experienced Venofer side effects for the first time because my function was lower/I was ill during the treatment?  Has anyone randomly had side effects after no side effects at previous treatments?  If this round I experienced side effects, is there a possibility they will be the common thing now?  Just wondering.   

[Joe]

Did they give you a different iron infusion this time. I know I usually get the fereheme (sp?) and I tolerate that just fine. One time my Neph wanted to give me a different iron formula (can't remember the name of it, but it wasn't fereheme) and I had reactions to it. It gave me a metallic taste in my mouth and my lips went numb. I told my Neph I didn't want that one again.

[obsidianom]

My wife developed a reaction after several infusions also. WE had to stop infusions , but her iron is now low. We are trying oral for now.

[UkrainianTracksuit]

Hi Joe, thanks for the reply.  You raised a really good point that I never would have considered.  I called in to ask if it was a different infusion but it was the same as usual.  However, now that you mentioned this, I am definitely going to ask in the future.

Obsidianom, I also take oral iron (Feramax) but they are not doing the trick either.  Do you recall which side effects your wife experienced?  They must have been serious if you both decided to stop further infusions. 

Just hoping this nausea simmers down. 

[obsidianom]

My wife felt very sick all over within a minute of the infusion starting the second time it reacted.  I dont remember the other syptoms as it was months ago. It was a bit scary as she looked very ill that whole day.

[kristina]

Hello Tracksuit,

Could your current problem be caused by your holiday and you have perhaps
eaten a different food and your body did not like it?

I mention this because on very rare occasions I had difficulties to get my own regular diet
and my pre-dialysis ESRF-body did not react favourably...

Perhaps the same thing happened in your case and you “only” need to give your body time
to “get back to normal” again by eating your usual diet ?

I am sending you my best wishes and good luck, Kristina.

[Shaks24]

I have had 2 iron infusions in the last month or so with no reaction. Its kind of weird watching that dark brown liquid drip into your veins. I hope you get to the bottom of whatever is making you feel bad.