Iron Infusion

What to Expect From an Iron Infusion

Overview

Iron infusion refers to a method in which iron is intravenously delivered to your body via a needle. Intravenous (IV), also known as intravenous, is a method to deliver medication or supplementation.

Doctors often prescribe iron infusions to treat iron deficiency anemia. In pill form, iron deficiency is usually treated by dietary changes and iron supplements. Doctors, in some instances, may recommend iron infusions.

If you are:

  • Iron is not something you can take by your mouth
  • Iron cannot be absorbed through the stomach.
  • Due to blood loss, iron is not absorbed enough.
  • You must quickly increase iron levels to avoid medical complications or blood transfusions.

How do you prepare for an iron infusion?

You will be given specific instructions by your doctor about preparing for your first iron infusion. You can prepare the following basic items for your iron infusion treatment:

  • Eat breakfast and lunch as you don’t need to fast for iron infusions.
  • Take your regular medication
  • Be prepared to have a small IV drip placed in your arm and hand
  • Know how to contact help if you experience an adverse reaction during your infusion

It is possible to feel anxious about the iron infusion. Talking to your doctor about the procedure beforehand can help you reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest ways to make you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

Comfort Tips

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Make sure you have drinking water.
  • Listen to music.
  • You can watch a movie or TV show on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Read a magazine or book.

What happens in an iron infusion

A hospital or hemodialysis center is the usual place for iron infusions. A doctor, nurse or another healthcare provider will insert a small tube through a vein using a needle. The catheter is a small tube. The catheter is usually inserted into your veins in the arm or hand. Afterward, your healthcare provider removes the needle and leaves the catheter in the vein.

Attach the catheter to a long tube connected to an iron IV bag. The iron has been mixed with saline. The solution can be injected into your vein, or gravity is used to drip through the tube slowly.

The IV needle may cause a slight pinch to your skin. During the procedure, there may be pressure at the site of the IV needle insertion.

The doctor will first give you a test dose to ensure that you have no adverse reactions to iron. They will not perform the procedure if you have any adverse reactions.

How long does it take to infuse iron?

Iron infusions can take as long as 3-4 hours. For this duration, you should be able to sit down. The infusion can take up to an hour, depending on how much treatment you require. It is important to avoid complications by infusing slowly.

Iron infusions can often be repeated several times to restore the body’s iron levels to the right levels. Iron infusions will be given over a few weeks or one week. Iron infusions can take time and are more costly than other forms of anemia treatment.

Side effects and problems

You can immediately resume your regular activities after the infusion. Most people can drive themselves home. You can return to work after an infusion if you feel like it.

There may be side effects that occur right away. They are usually mild. These include:

  • Temporary changes in how you eat and drink food.
  • Headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • musclejoint pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • itching and rash
  • Increased or decreased blood pressure, or heartbeat
  • The injection site may cause burning sensations or swelling.

Serious side effects

Iron toxicity is a rare but very serious side effect of iron infusions. Iron toxicity can be severe and quickly manifest, leading to anaphylactic shock. They may develop slowly over time. Iron toxicities can develop over time and cause too much iron to be found in the tissues.

This is why the test dose and slow infusion rate were done. The test dose is important if you have had multiple drug allergies in the past. Your doctor will use the test dose to monitor for allergic reactions. These reactions could include:

  • anaphylaxis
  • shock
  • severe hypertension (lower blood pressure)
  • collapse
  • Loss of consciousness

 

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