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Precautions Recommended for IV Iron

As I draw near to getting another infusion, I am looking up the different types of iron.  I seem to be having a better time of it with the Ferrlecit so I will stick with it as long as my hematologist is willing to give it to me.

I found this article today:

New Precautions Recommended for IV Iron Supplements

Although nearly two years old, I still found it interesting.  Dextran was the worst iron I've had.  They started with Dextran they said because it is cheapest.  However, it also seems to have the more risk for serious reaction.  Indeed, I had a horrible experience with it during my second or third round of infusions.  That seems to be the only iron of which they require a test dose. 

I think, all in all, this is a good article to read.  I don't think it should panic anybody but it is good to remember that severe allergic reactions don't always happen during the first or second time getting infusions.  You don't want to take your infusion for granted and you want to stay carefully monitored.

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