Most transfusions go smoothly. However, you and your family should watch for:

·       During or shortly after transfusion:

o   Fever or chills.

o   Rash, itching or hives.

o   Shortness of breath or chest pain.

o   Severe back pain, dark urine, sudden drop in blood pressure.

If these occur during the transfusion, nurses will stop the transfusion immediately and call a doctor.

·       After going home (hours to days):

o   Fever, feeling very unwell or more breathless than expected.

o   Dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice).

o   Rash, itching, or signs of infection at the IV site.

If any of these appear after discharge, return to the hospital or contact your doctor and inform them you recently had a transfusion.