What are the side effects of an iron infusion?

When a person has a low blood count or low levels of iron in their blood, a doctor may suggest that they receive iron as an infusion given directly into the vein (intravenously).

Some people may have decreased iron levels if they have lost a significant amount of blood. It can also occur if they have an underlying condition that makes it difficult for their body to absorb and use iron.

Intravenous iron is typically effective and quick in restoring the iron levels in your body. It also usually helps increase your red blood cells count in the following days and weeks.

Read on to learn about the side effects of iron infusions, as well as the benefits of this type of treatment.

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Side effects of iron infusions

People may experience side effects of iron infusions for several reasons. These include:

• sensitivity to the medications given
• an allergic response after the insertion of the infusion needle
• certain body reactions that may cause muscle spasms or pain

Most side effects typically disappear on their own within a few hours.

Side effects of iron infusions include:

Staining

When you receive an iron infusion, the medication may stain the vein itself or leak into the area surrounding the vein, leading to a stain beneath your skin.

This stain under your skin can take up to 2 years to resolve. Treatment may later help in removing any remaining staining.

Flushing and Fishbane reaction

You may experience flushing in the first minutes after starting the infusion. Flushing is when you experience a temporary warmth and redness or discoloration of your skin.

This can happen when iron interacts with a thin membrane called the endothelium that’s found in your heart and blood vessels. This can lead to the release of nitric oxide, which is known as the Fishbane reaction.

It can result in additional side effects, including:

• nausea
• dizziness
• light-headedness

Allergic reaction

In some cases, an iron infusion may cause an allergic reaction. This is more common in people with other known allergies or underlying conditions, such as:

• eczema or atopic allergies
• severe asthma
• immune or inflammatory conditions

In most cases, the allergic reaction may only lead to symptoms such as:

• flushing
• itching
• skin rash

However, in some rare and severe cases, people may develop serious reactions including:

• difficulty breathing
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• anaphylaxis

If you think you may be having a severe allergic reaction, it’s advised that you call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Post-infusion flu

People may experience some flu-like symptoms about 2-5 days after undergoing an iron infusion, according to experts.

This may include:

• headache
• mild fever
• muscle and joint aches
• bone pain

These symptoms do not typically need treatment and they usually go away on their own within 24-48 hours, the same experts suggest.

Hypophosphatemia

Iron infusions may lower the levels of phosphate in your body. Phosphate is responsible for energy production.

Prolonged hypophosphatemia, also known as osteomalacia, may weaken your bones and increase the risk of fractures.

However, these events are extremely rare and more research is needed.

What are the benefits of an iron infusion?

Iron infusions are an effective and quick method of treating iron deficiency. They can also be a more suitable option for people who cannot take iron supplements by mouth due to underlying conditions or to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

The treatment can be very effective in treating people who have sustained significant blood loss due to surgery or other health conditions. This is because iron infusions can stimulate the production of hemoglobin and increase your red blood cell count.

How long do iron infusion side effects last?

The duration and severity of iron infusion side effects can vary from person to person. Iron infusion side effects typically last for a few hours. However, if you experience post-infusion flu, its symptoms may last for up to 48 hours.

Other side effects, like skin staining, may take several years to resolve.

How can an iron infusion help with anemia?

Iron infusions may help treat anemia. This is because iron infusions can help restore iron levels in your body and enhance the production of the hemoglobin necessary to produce red blood cells.

Iron infusions can be a good option for people who have received a diagnosis of anemia but cannot take iron supplements by mouth. This can include people with celiac disease or who have had abdominal surgery.

When should you contact a doctor?

Most allergic reactions happen within 30 minutes after a healthcare professional gives the infusion. For this reason, your healthcare team will typically keep you under observation and may ask you to wait for at least 30 minutes before leaving the healthcare facility.

However, if you experience any symptoms of a life threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or have difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Summary

Iron infusions can be effective in restoring iron levels in your body. They can also help manage conditions, such as anemia, as they stimulate the production of hemoglobin, which increases your red blood cell count.

However, iron infusions can lead to some side effects, such as headaches, flu-like symptoms, and nausea. Severe allergic reactions after iron infusions are rare, though. Most people usually experience only itchiness or a skin rash.

If you are concerned about the side effects of an iron infusion, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can advise you on what treatment may be best.

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