Persistent Side Effects From Injectafer (Page 10)
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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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REPORT

More information on the actual frequency of hypophosphatemia after injectafer can be found here (see page 12):

fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/08/briefing/2008-4337b1-01-FDA.pdf

The clinical consequences of hypophosphatemia include weakness, muscle and joint pain but can result in severe bone complications and kidney stones. The risk for these long term complications appears to be highest in patients who require repeated infusions. For more information see:

curehht.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10.2015-Angiogenesis-HHT-Abstracts_WEB.pdf - P67 & P68

If phosphate concentrations are low after i.v. iron, I would be very interested to learn more about this neglected side effect for affected patients, because I very much hope that affected patients are rapidly treated and would like help in preventing this adverse reaction.

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I've been digging for a while trying to find information on the Injectifer and joint pain. This is one of the only references I can find on the web. Can you please share with me where you got the information the "some people have these symptoms for life". My wife is experiencing continued pain we believe from this Injectifer but the doctors all throw their hands in the air and say "We've never heard of that before". Can you please direct me to a source with more information on continued pain from this? Thank you so much!

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Thank you Iron Man for your post. I went back to my physician yesterday and gave them the article from the Journal of rheumatology regarding hypophosphatemia from IV infusions and comparing two different products. I don't understand why the manufacture recommend or train or mandate it being a requirement that phosphate levels for any IV iron infusions I checked before and after infusions. That is so very dangerous for the patient. My bone pain after three weeks is starting to get slightly less but I am also taking a lot of supplements including magnesium and extra D but I don't know what else to do. Phosphorus level is now at the low end of normal . When I was at the hematologist yesterday getting venofer – I noticed later that day that I had increased muscle and bone pain when I had never noticed that before with venofer. So even though I only had one dose of injectafor three weeks prior – even the venofer gave me some increased leg pains and I suspect it's because I was already low On phosphates. I think I'm going to write a letter to the head of the medical practice because number one they should be more aware of the side effects to warn people about because the side effects last weeks and I'm not even through them yet and also phosphate level should be checked . Thank you

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As a physician I am really sorry to read about all the symptoms after intravenous iron therapy. Since I am caring for a patient with similar symptoms after i.v. iron, I would suggest that you have your phosphate levels checked in your blood. Many phsicians -like myself up until recently- are unaware of the fact that some i.v. iron preparations can cause hypophosphatemia. The symptoms of hypophosphatemia include bone an muscle pain, weaknes and even bone fractures. The full blown condition is referred to as osteomalacia...

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I took injectafor last year and it was great, kept my levels up for almost a year with no side effects. I moved and started seeing another dr. His clinic uses venafer with benedryl and steriods. My previous dr didn't use these meds before infusion. I had symptoms of drowsiness and felt tired for a day but other than that ok. But my levels weren't coming up so, I asked him to consider injectafor since i had great results before. So he ordered it and last week I received my treatment along with a benadryl and steroid. I did great! No side effects other than being sleepy. Yesterday had my second treatment, did well, went shopping then yard work afterwards. But last night i woke up with severe abdominal pain, teeth chatting, uncontrollable shaking, had to put something in my mouth to keep from biting my tongue!! Horrible night!! Lasted about 45 minutes and finally went off to sleep. This morning my blood pressure is way up, pounding in my ears and a horrific headache. I don't know what happened. The only thing that was different is that i didn't take the benadryl. I didn't go to the hospital, just rode it out, but i don't think i will be taking it again!! Praying my levels will be up next week and wont have to have another treatment for a year!!

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I already called my doctors office and refused the second infusion with injectafor. I think this stuff is dangerous. I also found a study from the international Journal of rheumatology that discusses venofer vs. injectafor and apparently injectafor has a huge percentage increase in excessive fatigue and side effects – some of which May not go away I am depressed to hear. It has been two weeks since my first injectafor infusion and I still have significant muscle and joint pain in my legs, neck pain and headache and although my fatigue is improving – it is still not normal . I would recommend that anyone who has done just fine on venofer or other forms of iron infusion – do not change to injectafor !!!!!

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Thank you Stacey!! I am definitely going to tell my hemotologist the side effects I've experienced this week. Personally for me, body aches and flu-like symptoms are my total weak points. I can usually make myself "push through the pain" to continue my daily activities but these types of aches and pains make me feel like a little girl who wants her Mommy...and I am 51 y.o. LOL!!!

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Hi Shannon- I had the most awful reaction to injectafer and the second dose they switched me back to feraheme. Still felt sick but not as bad- try and ask the doc!!

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Hello Everyone!
So glad to read about your experiences with Injectafer and thanks to all of you who posted!
I had my first infusion this past Friday (8/19) and thought "Wow, That was a piece of cake!". Ha! By Sunday my back was hurtin but more of an aching feeling than anything. However, by Sunday night the deep in my bones type pain/ache nearly had me in tears. Extra Strength Tylenol and Aleve seemed to take the edge off for a short time.
Fast forward to yesterday afternoon and it seemed that within a blink of an eye I was hit with what felt like full blown flu symptoms! My eyes burned so badly, I was freezing and the body aches were nearly unbearable. The way my upper back hurt I felt like I had pneumonia!
I go for my second infusion this Friday and hope and pray that my deep body aches are gone and that I don't have to endure them again after my 2nd round.
Thanks again to everyone for posting their experiences!

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I had my second of two doses of injectafer today. the first one seven days ago. I won't let them give me this again. both times i felt out of it the day of then during night in sleep i started getting a severe headache but was afraid to take anything because of the upset stomach. Then the chest pain and back pain began. It was so bad i got up and was not sure whether to go to hospital or ride it out. I had flu like symptoms for two days including constipation and diarrhea(is that even possible) i was actually glad for the diarrhea since it finally cleared me out. ugh! I had gastric bypass in 2003 and have had iron infusions before - never anything like this. my chest pain was all the way through my back and now migrating down.

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I had been having iron infusions via venofer for the past several years without issues-felt better right away. Then this round the doc recommendedwe try injectofer and I agreed since it would only be 2 visits versus 5. Well, I have felt awful since that day-last week. exhausted, bone and muscle pain, head and neck pain and pressure. scareeee! So I declined the 2nd one FOREVER. I still feel like CRAPOLA a week or more later. I am going back to venofer. I should have read about injectafor first-I just took blind faith. The doc acts like he hasnt heard of this reaction before..I am like...srsly? Just read the internet! So, for me... injectofer has hurt me and I pray that I start to feel normal without these side effects soon. Ugh

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Omg- I have had feraheme and two iron types over the past 25 years of iron def anemia from gastric bypass. My hematologist switched to injectafer for all his patients. Felt little nauseous during 45 min infusion. Then 12 hours later woken up with the worst headache of my life -with retching and diaphoretic symptoms. Rushed to the hospital with a ct scan and they said it was a reaction to the injectafer- it was terrifying- thought it was an aneurysm. I am an RN too, so I have a bit of knowledge- love this forum. Really tired of medical professionals questioning when we tell them our reactions or symptoms!

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I just had a infusion three days ago .. I feel like I have the flu and so much nausea.. Also a horrible metallic taste in my mouth.. I hope to goes away soon I'm scheduled for anther one in 4 days. Hope your beginning to feel better.

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I did ok during the infusion except I was sleepy. About an hour later I got extremely nauseated. It lasted all day, and I just had to go to bed and sleep.

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I had my first infusion of Injectafer 4 weeks ago and felt a little fluish and tired for about 24 hours than felt ok. One week later I went for my second infusion. Within 3 minutes I went into anaphylaxsis. It was terrifying. Couldn't breath, head in a vice, and waves of unbelievable lower back pain... Wore than labor! I'm now waiting for my hemotologist to come up with Plan B and in the meantime my levels - which had gone from 7 to 9 - are going back down again. Also I am on Remicade so they are now premedication me with Benadryl so I don't react to that as well. If you have back pain during or even days after your Injectafer dose, my understanding is that may be a sign that you are developing an allergy to the Injectafer. Please tell your infusion center and dr. before your next dose.

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I just got my first infusion of injectafer on tuesday and have been feeling worse each day. Thursday, my lower back was throbbing and had a low level of nausea feeling and tired. Friday had the same pains/nausea but now also had achyness all over but especially in the my legs and pelvic region. Feeling feverish too. Today, day number 4 since infusion, woke up early with same joint pain and feeling warm...advil wore off during the night. Does this get better? I have second infusion this Tuesday.

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I had mine on Friday (it's Monday) and I am suffering from bone pain. It feels like my heart is beating in my bone marrow. I have also had bouts of nausea. I hope this gets better soon--I'm so tired!

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Those can be normal side effects of such infusions and, unfortunately, they don't always improve or go away. Some people end up with such symptoms for life.

You may also experience dizziness, flushing and darkening of the skin at the administration site.

Has it improve any, yet?

Why were you switched off of the others, were they no longer working?

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