What Should You Avoid After An Iron Infusion?

What should you avoid after an iron infusion?

Iron infusions are often recommended to people who are iron deficient or have iron-deficiency anemia - in some cases, even with iron deficiency anemia when iron supplements are inadequate or not tolerated. Iron infusions are a way of giving iron, where iron is given directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip. This can be a life changing procedure for many patients, and after-care to ensure recovery is important for patients' health and recovery. There are some things that should be avoided after an iron infusion, including, but not limited to, foods or medications that interfere with the body's absorption or process of the iron. 

This guide will provide an overview of the things to avoid after iron infusion for a safe and effective recovery.

Alcohol Use

Although moderate use of alcohol is safe, you should avoid use right after your iron infusion. Alcohol can reduce the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients and increase the risk of certain side effects such as dizziness or dehydration. It will also impact the liver functioning, which metabolizes iron. To obtain the best result, you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your infusion.

Strenuous Exercise and Physical Activity

Engaging in strenuous physical activities or vigorous exercise is one of the most significant things you will want to avoid after an iron infusion is to engage in strenuous physical activities or vigorous exercise. Your body needs time to settle down with new increased levels of iron, and you may also need time to feel your best. Whether it is intense exercise or vigorous activity, it is important to know that exercise increases your heart rate, increases blood pressure, and increases overall stress on the body, which can impair the healing process and cause fatigue or dizziness.

Generally, individuals will want to rest, and refrain from any heavy lifting or vigorous physical exercise for generally 24 to 48 hours after an iron infusion. This will allow the body time to process the iron infusion without exerting additional stress to the body.

Disregarding Symptoms of Potential Side Effects

Iron infusions are typically safe; however, some people do have side effects or allergic reactions. Symptoms can include dizziness, headache, nausea, rash, or muscle or joint pain. Severe reactions are rare but can happen. Severe symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling of the face or throat. Whatever the case, if you do experience any of these symptoms after your infusion, seek medical attention right away.

It is also important to follow up with your health care provider after your infusion, and if there are any symptoms that persist or worsen during the recovery period, do not hesitate to call your doctor or go to the hospital.

Dehydration

Dehydration can affect how well your body processes and wants to utilize the iron infusion. An iron infusion can cause side effects, sometimes briefly, such as a headache or dizziness, and dehydration can make these side effects feel worse. Furthermore, a significant fluid level is needed during the process of the iron infusion to help the iron distribute through the bloodstream more efficiently.

To stay hydrated, it is important to drink plenty of water after the infusion, at least 8-10 glasses of water a day if you don’t get dizzy or feel dry-mouthed. You should try to limit how much caffeine you drink because it can also dehydrate you.

Mandatory Transfusion

Taking Medication and Supplements

Some medications and supplements can inhibit the absorption or effectiveness of the iron infusion. As a result, it is important to discuss the medications you are taking before your infusion and those you need to avoid following the infusion with your healthcare provider. Some examples of medications and supplements that may inhibit iron absorption are: 

• Antacids- medications that suppress stomach acid such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers may inhibit absorption of iron. If you are prescribed an antacid, speak to your doctor to determine if you should adjust the dosing or timing of your antacids in relation to the infusion.

• Calcium supplements- As mentioned previously, calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Therefore, you should avoid taking calcium supplements close to the time of your infusion.

• Antibiotics- Some antibiotics, especially those that contain magnesium, calcium, or aluminum may inhibit iron absorption. Speak to your healthcare provider about what to do about your antibiotics in relation to your infusion. 

• Iron supplements- After an iron infusion, by this point your body may have sufficient iron levels, and taking oral iron supplements in addition to the infusion may cause iron overload putting you at risk for side effects such as constipation, or nausea. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding whether or when you should continue to take iron supplements after the transfusion.

Conclusion

Following your iron infusion, your body will take time to process the iron, you will not appreciate the full effects of the infusion until then. With good post infusion recovery for the blood and iron you received, by avoiding or limiting strenuous exercise, dehydration, certain foods and medications, and overdoing things, you will be doing the best to maximise your body’s potential to recover and improve health.

As always, it is a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider you have any questions about post infusion care or if your requirements are different from others. Ultimately it is an important consideration to take the recommendations you receive about their own consultation, and when you follow those recommendations, be mindful of your body response.

By being mindful of your body response and taking into consideration, what you can do while adjusting some of your activity's, you can ensure that recovery from your iron infusion is uncomplicated and successful.