Persistent Side Effects From Injectafer (Page 7) (Top voted first)

My first dose was given four days ago and I am still feeling nauseous, muscle pain and cold sweats. Realizing that we're all different, I'm hoping someone's experience with Injectafer is better than mine and can offer some hope that things get better. Compared to my Infed and Venofer infusions this is the worst I've felt afterwards. This is my first try at a forum. Thank you for any advice.

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Re: Ironman (# 44)

Hi,
Do you know if there is correlation for those with Osteoporosis and hyperphosphatemia?

Also, it appears that people are getting these reactions from Venofer too? What are your thoughts about that? How does one get rid of these terrible flu like symptomd in the backbone- especially a post gastric bypass person?

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Re: Lisa (# 113)

I'm not sure much of anything helps totally. As my Dr told me I have to wait it out. It could take months. I was told to just rake Motrin and 4 hrs later and to keep living on them until the side effects go away. I have stomach issues so Motrin is not so good for me. He said since iron is a metal it causes an inflammation in the muscles and bones. But should only last a,week...I'm on 8 weeks. It's getting better, but some days are really bad. Due to the severe reaction they stopped all iron infusions until my body starts feeling better. I wish you start feeling better soon. Hang in there. It will get better in time. Have patience..

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Re: Shygoose (# 114)

Thank you for responding. I feel like I’m out here on an island by myself in this pain. I’m concerned because I have a gastric bypass for ten years and never had this problem with iron before. So how do I take iron again by infusion ( the only way I can absorb it) if Im gonna now have this type of reaction? Plus I have Osteoporosis which hyperphosphatemia is going to put it in a tailspin. Ugh.

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I had first dose of Injectafer, and after 4 days I felt the best I had felt in years. Went for my second dose a week later, and I immediately started having a reaction, headache, flushed face, burning eyes, redness across chest. They gave me Benadryl through the IV. I'm still having those same side effects, I'm still having to take Benadryl and Tylenol. Also, my blood pressure has gone up at least 30 points. The last 2 nights I've been awakened with severe leg cramps. It takes at least 30 minutes for them to ease off enough to fall back asleep. I wish I would never have taken the second dose.

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Re: Lisa (# 113)

Sorry that should say iron infusion problems and hypophosphatemia not hyper

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Re: Lisa (# 110)

The longer the length of time between infusions the less risk of reactions to them. Hemo always wants me to do TWO infusions per WEEK! I say haha.

I wait 2 weeks between Venofer infusions AND take Benadryl Gelcaps right before and during Infusions... then take one or two Benadryl a day go 3 to 7 days.

Had Venafor 2,years ago -,NO problems. This time hemo wanted to use the ingectafer IV PUSH > a LOAD of iron shoved in via rapid drip/steam of iron. NO, Thank you!
A slow drip of any type of iron reduces risk if reactions. You can ask for 45 min to 1 or 1 1/2 hour drip. I go w the 1 hour since that's how they gave it to me 2 yrs ago.

Prayers and good thoughts for each one taking the iron infusions ... whichever you choose.

Susan

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Re: Susan 777 (# 118)

I agree. the longer the push the better. I had my first a week ago and had chest pains that night and the following night. I had lingering headaches which is normal. I had my second yesterday of injectifir and they changed from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. I have headaches again but have felt better than last time.

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Re: Lisa (# 115)

I'm hoping a doctor can help you. Definitely a problem. I have osteoporosis also and the pain in my hips is extreme that I can barely walk from the car to the store. The doctors just don't have an answer. Regardless if your iron is low you might want to stop the iron for a while. The doctor explained that iron is a strong metal and it's pushed fast into the blood stream. Unfortunately they never know what effects it will have on a person. But I have already seen 2 hematologist and neither can offer any solutions. Maybe try a different doctor for a less aggressive approach. I'm looking into a holistic doctor. I'll keep you up dated. Good luck. But seriously consider holding off on iron for a bit..

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Re: Shygoose (# 120)

Where are you located? I’m looking for holistic or naturopath too.

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Re: Lisa (# 121)

I'm on Long Island, New York. I was told to look for one who only has a MD after his name. I looked and couldn't find one local. All of the holistic ones are not MD's..

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Re: Stacy (# 111)

I had my infusion 3 days ago and the same exact symptoms of what you posted. I am so weak and feel awful. I never get headaches. Ever. I've had a horrible one for 3 days! Have your symptoms let up at all?

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Re: Rhall (# 123)

I had 2nd a couple of weeks ago and I told them about chest pains etc and they actually increased then push time from 20 min to 30 min and that made world of difference. I only had a few days of headache and increased energy

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Don't do anymore injectefer.I mean it,After 2 months. I could hardly walk. I am fairly young and very active. I haven't been the same since. I know it was from that ! Go back to the other infusions! This injectefer is a bad drug

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Re: Korky (# 125)

After a couple of months after my 1 injecterfer infusion I still Don't feel great. I must say maybe 50% better but no change for the past 3 weeks. Walking still hurts my hips and legs badly. And still feel quite lousy. For a hemotologist to tell me to to see an alternative Doctor that does not sound good. But he explained he has no treatment for a metal lije iron infused into the body. Had no problems with ferritin...definitely no more injectafer.

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Re: Korky (# 125)

Explain what you mean by barely walk. Do you have leg pain? Balance issues? Just wondering cause my legs hurt and are weak too. What has your Dr. said?

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Re: Ashley (# 127)

I can't believe how brutal that injectafer is. Everyone seems to have had issues with it. They should take that iron off the market.

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Re: Korky (# 125)

I had Venefor Infusions 2 1/2 years ago and had zero problems. I'm scheduled for 5 again and have had 2 infusions thus far. My Hemo offered Injectafer but I reminded him how well I did with Venefor and how effective it was for me and that I wanted to stay with it. He had no problem with that. My friend was anemic and needed iron infusions. Same University Hospital where I get my infusions but she had a different Hemo who gave her Injectafer and Vitamin B12 shots to take daily (at home). She did real well with the Injectafer. No problems at all. However... Venefor has been in use for many years and I haven't seen even 1/4 as many Venefor patients on the Venefor Chat Lines compared to Injectafer. IF you need iron infusions, I would suggest you opt for Venefor. And take a Benadryl gelcap on the was to Infusion and another Benadryl when you sit down in the chair. Then take a few Benadryl everyday for several days afterward. Have nurse administer drip for at least ONE hour ...NO shorter than an hour. And wait 10 days to 2 weeks between infusions. Hope all goes well for each one of us and that we get strong and have great stamina again.

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Re: Susan 777 (# 129)

I was suppose to get a second injectafer in infusion a week after the first, but due to the the severe reactions my be No decided to hold off until January to see where my iron is. The infusion was done in 45 minutes with benadryl infused first and 4 hours later they told me to continue benadryl. Unfortunately that did not help the muscl e and bone pain, causing me to barely be able to walk from the pain.. Definitely will try venofer in January..

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Just had injectafer first time tonight asked for benadryl before infusion started. I feel off I can't explain it, I am so worried about a reaction popping up! I'm sorry you are having issues. I had to use injectafer because my insurance no longer cover Venofer:(

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Had horrible side effects the first time. 3 weeks later asked for 30 minutes drip and benedryl. Much better! Read also on here leg pain due to phosphorus levels drop extremely low due to injectafer. MADE the Er tear my levels even though they didn’t agree with me. Quoted the NIH articles found. Sure enough phosphorus levels were low. Took 2 days of phosphate pills and felt better. Get your phosphorus levels tested!!! I’m all better now after a hysterectomy;) best of luck!

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