Do blood transfusions have any complications?
Sometimes patients can develop transfusion reactions with fever and rash. Medication may be given before the next transfusion to help prevent these symptoms. Red cell transfusions can also cause a build-up of extra iron in the body which can harm the heart and/or liver, cause diabetes, or slow down normal growth. The amount of iron must be regularly checked. If iron levels are too high, your doctor may recommend drugs to remove excess iron in body tissues. This process is called chelation therapy. People getting transfusions should avoid iron supplements.
