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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do Iron Infusions Cause Flares?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Arkansas City, AR

Has anyone had any issues with iron infusions. My iron is low and I want to go the infusion route because iron supplements majorly irritate my GI. Is there any potential problems I should be aware of with iron infusions? I know having too much free iron in your system can be a problem and I wasn't sure if people with lupus would be more sensitive to that.

May 20
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A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member that was a really interesting article, thank you! Definitely gives me pause on wanting to do iron infusions. I’ve tried liquid iron, pills, dietary, and nothing seems to get me into a normal level. Liquid and pills didn’t sit well. Even as a child I would instantly projectile vomit when my parents gave me a multivitamin with iron. I don’t vomit any more but it definitely doesn’t sit well and the constipation can be intense. Lupus wise my labs are all looking good but I think the anemia is definitely contributing to some fatigue as it’s worsened in the past 6 months. Do you have any suggestions on overcoming anemia? It’s been a long term struggle for me

May 21
A MyLupusTeam Member

That's a great question, Lisa, and here's what I found, as I didn't know the answer.

https://www.droracle.ai/articles/376736/do-auto...

I assume liquid iron was too irritating for you, too? I would discuss the info in the article with your rheumatologist.

Do autoimmune conditions increase the risk of side effects after iron infusions?
Do autoimmune conditions increase the risk of side effects after iron infusions?
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/376736/do-autoimmune-conditions-increase-the-risk-of-side-effects
May 21
MyLupusTeam

Iron infusions are a reasonable option when supplements aren't tolerable, and it's smart to think ahead about potential risks. With lupus, there are a few things worth knowing before going this route.

Low iron in lupus is often linked to chronic inflammation making it harder for the body to absorb iron, or to lupus nephritis Show Full Answer

Iron infusions are a reasonable option when supplements aren't tolerable, and it's smart to think ahead about potential risks. With lupus, there are a few things worth knowing before going this route.

Low iron in lupus is often linked to chronic inflammation making it harder for the body to absorb iron, or to lupus nephritis causing iron loss. Treating the underlying cause alongside the infusion is important for lasting results. As for potential concerns with iron infusions and lupus, here are some things to discuss with your rheumatologist or doctor:

- Infusion reactions — These can include rash, nausea, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, or facial swelling. Sound familiar? Yes, they overlap with flare symptoms, which can make it tricky to tell what's what.
- Infection risk — People with lupus already have a higher risk of infection, especially if on immunosuppressive medications. Any IV procedure carries a small infection risk.
- Inflammation — There is some concern in research about free iron potentially worsening inflammation, which is worth raising directly with your doctor given lupus involves chronic inflammation.

The overlap between infusion side effects and flare symptoms is genuinely something to flag with your care team beforehand, so you have a plan for monitoring how you feel afterward.

Always let your doctor know about any worsening symptoms after an infusion — they can help you figure out what's causing what and adjust your plan accordingly.

May 20

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