Start Date
5-15-2025 9:30 AM
End Date
5-15-2025 11:30 AM
Description
Background
- Intravenous (IV) formulations of iron are safe, quick, easy to administer, and are indicated in patients with Iron Deficiency.
- Prior formulations of IV iron were associated with anaphylaxis and have since been removed from the market -- healthcare workers remain anxious about their potential for reactions
- Rate of anaphylactic reactions are about 1 in 200,000 infusions
- Current IV formulations available can be associated with a complement mediated, pseudo-allergy, that presents with flushing, myalgia/arthralgia, and chest pressure. Reactions are dependent on infusion rate and improve after stopping the infusion.
- Premedication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine are often ordered for IV iron infusions to prevent reaction however they do not prevent reactions, can worsen reactions, and lead to longer infusion appointment times.
- Out of the almost 900 IV iron infusions that occurred between 2024-2025 at the TJUH Honickman infusion center and Bodine infusion center, nearly 300 infusions were administered with premedication.
Keywords
IV iron, pre-medication, infusion reaction, drug reaction, anaphylaxis
Included in
May 15th, 9:30 AM
May 15th, 11:30 AM
Reducing Premedication Use With Intravenous Iron in the Outpatient Setting
Background
- Intravenous (IV) formulations of iron are safe, quick, easy to administer, and are indicated in patients with Iron Deficiency.
- Prior formulations of IV iron were associated with anaphylaxis and have since been removed from the market -- healthcare workers remain anxious about their potential for reactions
- Rate of anaphylactic reactions are about 1 in 200,000 infusions
- Current IV formulations available can be associated with a complement mediated, pseudo-allergy, that presents with flushing, myalgia/arthralgia, and chest pressure. Reactions are dependent on infusion rate and improve after stopping the infusion.
- Premedication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine are often ordered for IV iron infusions to prevent reaction however they do not prevent reactions, can worsen reactions, and lead to longer infusion appointment times.
- Out of the almost 900 IV iron infusions that occurred between 2024-2025 at the TJUH Honickman infusion center and Bodine infusion center, nearly 300 infusions were administered with premedication.
Comments
Presented at the 2025 Jefferson Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit.