Delayed adverse reactions to total-dose intravenous iron polymaltose

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M L Haines1, P R Gibson

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Internal Medicine Journal
|May 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Delayed adverse reactions can occur after intravenous iron polymaltose infusions. About 26% of patients experienced reactions up to two days post-infusion, with 8% having severe systemic responses.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Intravenous iron polymaltose is used for iron deficiency anemia.
  • Infusion reactions are known but delayed post-infusion reactions are not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and severity of adverse reactions occurring after intravenous iron polymaltose infusions.
  • To inform patients and clinicians about potential delayed adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 50 consecutive patients receiving total-dose intravenous iron polymaltose.
  • Adverse reactions were monitored for up to 2 days post-infusion.

Main Results:

  • Adverse reactions developed in 26% of patients within 2 days post-infusion.
  • Reactions lasted 1-8 days (median 4 days).
  • Severe systemic reactions occurred in 8% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of patients experience delayed adverse reactions following intravenous iron polymaltose.
  • Patients should be counseled on the possibility of delayed reactions.
  • Alternative iron preparations may be considered for future parenteral iron therapy.

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