diff --git a/synapse/util/retryutils.py b/synapse/util/retryutils.py
index ac3054507..ee1194f1d 100644
--- a/synapse/util/retryutils.py
+++ b/synapse/util/retryutils.py
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ from twisted.internet import defer
 
 from synapse.api.errors import CodeMessageException
 
+from synapse.util.async import run_on_reactor
+
 import logging
 
 
@@ -52,6 +54,7 @@ def get_retry_limiter(destination, clock, store, **kwargs):
             # We aren't ready to retry that destination.
             raise
     """
+    yield run_on_reactor()
     retry_last_ts, retry_interval = (0, 0)
 
     retry_timings = yield store.get_destination_retry_timings(