[-jimi-]

Anyone did this? I'm supposed to fill my prescription and take to the hosp, fun starts at the cost. Man, that stuff is pricey!!!

And they are supposed to give it to me IV. I have to be watched a bit afterwards. In case I get an allergic reaction (I read it is more common if you have lupus, which I do, fun!).

But what other sides can I expect? They aren't really telling me. I'm mostly scared of upset stomach and vomiting since that is what happens if I take iron pills.

No, I haven't ever been that anemic. A friend of mine had to have the infusions last winter. She was pretty chipper afterwards - she said that she didn't realize exactly how tired she had been feeling until after she had the iron infusions and they took effect.

I didn't know that you had lupus - bummer.

I linked below to some info. on side effects. It says possible nausea but doesn't specifically say vomiting. I'll bet they'll be able to tell you more when you get the infusion done. I hope it helps. The info. I looked at said noticeable results in one week to a month.

What are the side effects of intravenous iron?

The side effects of IV iron are usually minimal, but may include the following:

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• gastrointestinal pains, including nausea and cramps
• problems with breathing
• skin problems, including rash
• chest pain
• low blood pressure
• anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that can include difficulty breathing, itching, or a rash over the entire body)

How effective is intravenous iron?

When you should start to feel better depends on your particular situation. Normally, it may take from a week to a month after you start your iron supplement before you start to feel better. Continue to watch your symptoms and take note of side effects.

[-jimi-]

Oh well... I never react like I "should" anyway so... LOL. I don't mind things like a bit of vomiting and stuff, I just really wouldn't like being as mega sick as I get on iron pills. Sounds good to be all alert, I really need that, I'm really, really tired and since it doesn't show, people just assume I'm making it up.

[-jimi-]

Had no reaction at all basically. Waiting to feel better. Now I'm starting to think it will not happen and I will feel like this until I die. I hope I am wrong. I got my hopes up that I'd feel much better quite fast. I'm waiting...

I'm sorry you're not seeing any effects from the treatment. Do you have to have more than one treatment? Have they checked your hematocrit or hemoglobin since you had the infusion?

[-jimi-]

I have to have things checked to see if I have to go there again. But also they said I will not see a difference right away anyway.