Monofer Iron Infusion - Terrified

[Hereforthemamas]

I'm meant to be getting a Monofer iron infusion in 9 days time but I'm deeply fearful of it. I have anxiety around anaphylaxis and taking anything external that could cause side effects / a reaction, so the idea of sitting there waiting for something that may or may not happen feels terrifying to me and I know I'm going to struggle.
My ferritin is 10 (was 7 three weeks ago) and my haemoglobin is 110 (was 113 three weeks ago). I am 29 weeks pregnant.
I told the midwife I was nervous and she said it's understandable, and that she couldn't tell me it won't happen because it does. But she said 9 times out of 10 people are fine, and I'm in the right place if anything does happen.
Has anyone else felt this way? Can anyone reassure me? Is it even worth it?!
Thank you.

I had it when my ferritin was 3 so nearly dead and all I can tell you is that it was awesome. I felt the effects of it within a week or so, and the only side effect was a sort of weird taste of metal. You wouldn’t be prescribed this if you didn’t need it and they watch you like a hawk anyway.

I've given it to over a hundred people and never seen an anaphylaxis from it

I had a Quick Look at the stats and the highest study levels showed 6.8 reactions per 10,000 infusions. Lowest was 2.8.

So your midwife is MILES off with 9 out of 10 are ok!!!! That would mean that I in 10 are not, whereas the real worst case figures are 1 per 1420

I'm a midwife and was going to say the stats are way better than 9/10. I've never known anyone have a reaction to it. Obviously it can happen but very unusual.

Very very low chance of a reaction, seems like more of a risk not to have it if you ferritin is that low and you are pregnant. You will be monitored for a reaction and staff are trained in identifying and treating anaphylaxis if it was to occur.

That’s really great to hear! From what I’ve read it takes a little while to kick in but can last for 3 months to 2 years. That would be amazing….

This is so good to hear, thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for doing this for me - that’s reassuring. My anxious mind is telling me I’d be the unlucky one, but this thread is super reassuring. I’m sure I’ll convince myself something is happening, but if I can keep my cool for the first 10 mins, I imagine if anything was going to happen it would happen at the beginning (it’s two hour long procedure).

Echo above I'm a Midwife also, have given it countless times and never seen a reaction. The stats are there, it does happen, but very rare. Benefits outweigh risk. The only thing I'd say, gently, is that it's not usual to feel this way. I just wanted to say that I hope you're getting any support you might need as there's plenty out there lovely❤️

Hi! i hope you're doing well and bubs is here now safely!

I was just wondering if you went ahead with the monofer infusion? I have almost identical feelings about it as you described, I'm terrified, but also desperate to feel better!

Thank you!

I can tell you my experience. I have open access to a little unit at my local hospital for mine. You are monitored very carefully and they could quickly treat any reaction.
I have my bloods taken every twelve weeks (for life) and am booked in depending on the results. Over the years I've had many. I spend around two hours in the unit but the actual infusion only takes about twenty minutes.
With life threatening levels of Haemoglobin I have blood transfusions, which improve levels far more quickly.
I've never had or seen a reaction.