Development of Hypersensitivity Reactions after Using Different Oral Iron Preparations

Abstract

Gastrointestinal side effects after using oral iron preparations have been usually observed, but skin reactions and allergic angioedema due to hypersensitivity have been rarely reported in the literature. We delineated 4 patients who were referred to us and who had shown hypersensitivity reactions following oral iron use, and their response to alternate oral iron preparations was evaluated. Initially prick and intradermal skin tests, and then oral provocations, were algorithmically performed in 4 patients to diagnose allergy to oral iron salts. Two of 4 cases showed hypersensitivity reactions after oral provocation. We were able to prevent the possible allergic reaction, which probably depends on IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, by simply changing the initial oral iron preparation to alternate one.