What is an Intravenous (IV) Iron Infusion?
An iron infusion is a medical procedure where iron is given directly into your bloodstream through a vein. Your doctor may recommend this if you have low blood iron, also known as iron deficiency. Receiving iron this way helps replenish your blood iron levels quickly. You may need this, for example, if taking iron tablets or liquid do not work, or if you aren’t able to take iron in tablet or liquid form because of a health condition, such as Crohn’s disease.
Why is Iron Important?
Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin, a part of red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy, oxygen-carrying red blood cells, and you may feel tired or unable to do normal daily activities. If your iron levels continue to drop, your haemoglobin levels can drop below normal. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Iron is also important for muscle strength, energy, and good mental function.
When Might an IV Iron Infusion Be Recommended?
Iron can be given as a tablet or liquid that you can swallow, and this is usually recommended first to treat IDA. However, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion if your iron level is low, or you have been diagnosed with iron anaemia and you can’t take iron tablets or liquids, are not responding to or absorbing iron tablets or liquids, need to quickly replenish your iron levels because of surgery, are late in pregnancy or need to avoid a blood transfusion, have chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure, or cannot have a blood transfusion, such as for religious reasons. Depending on your iron levels you may need more than one infusion. Usually, iron infusions are given at least one week apart.
How Do I Prepare for an IV Iron Infusion?
Iron infusions are usually given in a day medical unit or doctor’s surgery. They can also be given in hospital if you are an inpatient for another reason. If you’re experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency and think you may benefit from IV iron therapy, contact our medical centre for professional care and support.
Your doctor will usually give you a prescription for the iron injection. You will need to collect this from a pharmacy and bring it with you to your appointment. Before your infusion, it is important to tell your doctor about your complete medical history. This includes if you are pregnant, have any allergies or liver problems, or are taking any other medications. You should also mention if you have had a previous reaction to iron or currently have an infection.
You do not usually need to do anything special on the day to prepare for an iron infusion. Eat breakfast and lunch (depending on your appointment time), take your regular medicines and make sure you drink lots of water. You will be able to drive home and return to your normal activities unless you have an unexpected reaction. Before leaving, make sure you have the number to contact if you have any questions or concerns, and any dates for follow-up tests or appointments. You will need to have a blood test 2 to 4 weeks after an infusion to check if your iron levels have improved.
What Happens During the Procedure and Straight After?
Before your iron infusion, a nurse will insert an IV line into your vein (usually in the back of your hand or arm) using a needle. They will attach the line to a drip that will deliver the iron, which will be mixed with saline (a sterile saltwater solution). They will also check your vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing rate. A nurse will then start the iron infusion. How long the IV runs for depends on the amount of iron that your doctor prescribes. You can ask your doctor or nurse how long the infusion will take. Although some infusions are brief, you should prepare to spend 2 to 3 hours at the clinic. During this time, a nurse will check your vital signs and IV line. They will continue to monitor you for 30 minutes after the infusion finishes. This is to make sure you do not have a reaction to the IV iron infusion.
Iron Infusion Side Effects and Risks
If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing or chest pain, tell your nurse or doctor immediately. Side effects and severe reactions are very rare. The most common iron infusion side effects are headaches, dizziness, redness of the skin, especially cheeks or neck, feeling sick (nausea), muscle or joint pain, a metallic taste in your mouth, and changes to blood pressure or pulse. Some of these side effects can start 1 to 2 days after the infusion, but normally settle down by themselves over a few days. Fewer than 1 out of 100 people experience a severe allergic reaction. Change in skin colour near the IV site is also a very rare side effect. This happens when the infusion leaks into the surrounding soft tissue. Your nurse will keep a close watch during your infusion to minimise your risk of side effects.
Iron Infusion in Pregnancy
To quickly treat iron deficiency anaemia, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion during pregnancy, particularly in the second or third trimester. According to health authorities, you should avoid IV iron in the first trimester. Correcting iron levels is important for both the mother and baby, and an infusion can be highly effective when oral supplements are not working.
When Should I See My Doctor?
If you have ongoing side effects after your infusion that don’t settle by themselves over a few days, or if you have any other concerns, you should speak to you doctor or call the infusion clinic for advice. If you feel unusually tired, that you are unable to do your usual activities or feel that you can’t concentrate, see your doctor and ask about your iron levels. They will be able to assess you and order a blood test to help diagnose you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Iron Infusions
How long does an iron infusion take?
The infusion itself can take from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the dose. You should plan to be at the clinic for 2 to 3 hours to allow for preparation, the infusion, and post-procedure monitoring.
How long do iron infusions take to work?
Many people begin to feel better within a few days as their body starts producing more red blood cells. However, it can take several weeks to feel the full benefits.
How long after an iron infusion will I feel better?
While some individuals notice their symptoms, like fatigue, improve within a week, you will typically feel the full effect after several weeks once your haemoglobin levels normalize.
How long does an iron infusion last?
The effects of an iron infusion can last for several months or even years, depending on the underlying cause of your iron deficiency and your individual circumstances
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References:
Intravenous (IV) Iron Infusion : https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/iron-infusion
