Iron infusions are a good treatment for iron deficiencies. Iron is required to make red blood cells or haemoglobin. This transports oxygen from the lungs into the muscles, tissues, and organs. Low iron levels can cause fatigue and interfere with your ability to function. Iron deficiency is when iron stores are depleted. This is known as iron deficiency.
Iron infusions are a treatment for iron deficiency. An iron infusion can be used to treat iron deficiency by replenishing the body’s iron reserves.
How can iron deficiency be treated?
There are many ways to replace or restore Iron in your body.
- Oral Iron can be taken in tablets or liquid form.
- Intravenous IV infusion
- Intramuscular Iron (injection of Iron into the muscle). This can cause skin torment and is not recommended.
The most common method of replacing Iron is with oral Iron. It is usually effective and suitable.
Oral Iron is not suitable for all. In certain situations, the intravenous option may be an option.
- Side effects can make it difficult to take oral Iron
- Incapable of absorbing Iron from the mouth
- Continual blood loss beyond the ability to restore Iron with oral Iron
- If you have to quickly replace iron stores, such as in late pregnancy or before major surgery, it is best to do so before blood transfusions are necessary.
- Patients with chronic kidney disease receive EPO hormonal treatment.
What’s an iron infusion?
Iron infusion refers to a procedure where Iron is administered through a vein and enters the bloodstream. This is also known as intravenous Iron (IV). The needle or cannula is inserted into the arm or back of the hand. It is connected to a drip of Iron mixed with saline solution.
There are many IV iron preparations. The most popular is Ferric Carboxymaltose, also known as Ferinject. This IV iron preparation is the most recent addition. It takes only 15 minutes to infuse. You are also less likely to experience an allergic reaction.
Where is iron infusion administered?
A medical facility is equipped to administer iron infusions. This allows trained health professionals to effectively manage any side effects that may occur during or after infusion.
Iron infusions are not required to be given overnight. Iron infusions generally require patients to stay for a few hours. The infusion takes about 15 minutes. After the treatment, the patient will be monitored for several hours before being discharged.
If multiple treatments are required and you have not had any reaction to the first, it is possible that subsequent treatments can be administered at home by a nurse if such a service is available.
How many iron injections do I need to restore my iron levels properly?
One treatment can often restore iron levels. You can repeat the treatment if necessary. It all depends on the severity of the iron deficiency and the persistence of the condition. Iron deficiency can be caused by diet (vegetarian, vegan, etc.). Iron deficiency can be caused by bleeding. However, an individual who has stopped bleeding may not get iron deficiency.
What side effects can iron infusions cause?
Iron infusions are generally administered without major problems. One in ten patients may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle or joint pains, and/or mild fever. It usually happens a few days after the infusion, and settles with Panadol/Nurofen. You may also experience nausea or feeling sick. This should disappear within a few days.
A side effect that is *important* but not uncommon is brown staining. This happens when Iron is leaking into the tissues around the drip site or needle. Permanent staining may occur. If you feel any pain, redness, swelling, or burning at the site of the needle, please inform your doctor immediately.
An allergic reaction to iron infusions or anaphylaxis is a rare side effect. This is why treatment is done in a facility that has the staff and resources to handle it.
