
Can IV Iron Infusions Cause Damage To The Lungs And Heart?

Question: Can IV iron infusions cause damage to the lungs or heart? I had iron infusions due to a low ferritin. About 2 weeks into treatment I developed shortness of breath. At times I would take deep gasping breaths. All my vital signs remained normal. I also felt like I had the flu, and had intense chills. I had a few episodes of severe itchiness at night. So my doctor stopped the infusions and sent me to see a pulmonologist to rule out PE/asthma. They were negative, my symptoms had improved, so they started me back with the infusions on a small dose. Later that night I started with the breathing again. I was for sure it was the iron. I took some benadryl, but it didn't help, so I took some Prednisone which seemed to help. I spoke with my hematologist and he said it was not a reaction to the iron. I began to feel somewhat better and decided to go to an allergist to get tested for iron allergy. I showed no histamine response on the skin test, so they put a patch on my skin to leave on for 48hours. About 12 hours later, I had the breathing issue happen again. I called the doctor and he said he didn't think it was an allergy. That was back in Sept. Unfortunately these symptoms have only gotten worse and I am seeing a pulmonologist and going to see a cardiologist because now I am having tachycardia, fatigue with slight exertion. I know it sounds crazy but I am trying to figure out if iron could have a connection to these problems, because I had none of these symptoms prior.
Brief Answer:
The symptoms are most probably due to allergic reaction against iron.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Shortness of breath, chills and itching are known side effects of intravenous iron infusion.
Side effects occurring due to iron usually wean off with passage of time.
However, if the symptoms are still persisting after continuing the drug for long, you need to consult your treating doctor.
The iron infusion is not causing any damage to lung or heart but this is an allergic reaction against the iron.
A change in iron preparation or change in dosage of iron may be required to alleviate these symptoms.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
The symptoms are most probably due to allergic reaction against iron.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Shortness of breath, chills and itching are known side effects of intravenous iron infusion.
Side effects occurring due to iron usually wean off with passage of time.
However, if the symptoms are still persisting after continuing the drug for long, you need to consult your treating doctor.
The iron infusion is not causing any damage to lung or heart but this is an allergic reaction against the iron.
A change in iron preparation or change in dosage of iron may be required to alleviate these symptoms.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina

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