Iron Infusion Pregnancy What To Expect?

You Might Also Like Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition in pregnancy that can have significant adverse effects on the health of the mother and baby. First-line treatment is with oral iron supplementation. Sometimes an iron infusion is required if oral iron therapy has failed, is not tolerated, or if a more rapid response is necessary.

Dr Andrew Thant provides a same-day iron infusion consult and procedure at Chevron Advanced Medical. We are located in the heart of Gold Coast on Chevron Island with free 2P street parking. (For a standard when not pregnant, please,) For doctors / referrers: The patient must be at least 16 weeks gestation,

Your patient can either call 07 5538 8811 or with Dr Andrew Thant. Please provide your patient with:

• A referral letter; and
• Recent blood test results.

• Fees:

• Cost of iron infusion in pregnancy with foetal heartrate monitoring – $250. Your Medicare rebate is $113, resulting in a gap cost of $137.
• There is an additional $20 fee if you don’t bring your own script for Ferinject.
• The cost of Ferinject is determined by the chemist. If you don’t have Medicare, please check with your private health insurance if they will cover the cost of Ferinject (which ranges from $7 with Medicare concession to $300 without Medicare).

For patients / self referral: Pregnant patients are not able to self-refer for an iron infusion. Please see your GP or obstetrician to determine if an iron infusion during pregnancy is needed. For a standard iron infusion if you are not pregnant, please see, What to expect during your appointment:

1. Dr Andrew Thant likes to run on time and on schedule. If you are a new patient, please arrive 15 minutes in advance to complete the registration form.
2. A medical consult with our doctor will be done prior to your iron infusion. This is to ascertain your medical history, allergies and pregnancy details.
3. The doctor will insert an IV cannula into a large vein in your arm.
4. The iron infusion should take around 15 to 30 minutes. Your vital signs and foetal heart rate will be measured before, during and after the infusion.
5. You will be asked to wait for a further 30 minutes after the iron infusion in case of a delayed adverse reaction. Please expect to be in Chevron Island for around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is free 2P street parking.
6. The doctor will send correspondence back to your obstetrician or antenatal GP after your iron infusion.

Babies born to a mother with iron deficiency anaemia may be at risk of:

• Low birth weight
• Premature delivery
• Not having enough iron to sustain them through the early rapid stages of growth and brain development

Iron infusion risks during pregnancy:

• Anaphylaxis: this is a severe allergic reaction requiring the administration of adrenaline. Anaphylaxis during pregnancy may increase the risk of caesarean delivery.
• Delayed allergic reaction: this can usually be manged with antihistamines that are safe in pregnancy.
• Foetal bradycardia: this may require further monitoring with CTG at the hospital.

Iron infusion risks in general:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle aches. This can last for a couple of days.
• Skin staining at site of needle insertion, which may be permanent. The risk may be reduced by having a trained doctor who performs many iron infusions.

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How do you feel after an iron infusion while pregnant?

The most common side-effects are: headache dizziness flushing feeling sick (nausea) reactions where the needle is inserted (site of the infusion). Muscle spasms or muscle pain can happen but are uncommon. Very rarely some women have an allergic reaction to the infusion called anaphylaxis.
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How long does it take for an iron infusion to work with pregnancy?

How long does an iron infusion last in pregnancy? – An iron infusion is not a permanent solution and it only offers a temporary improvement in your iron levels. This means that you will still have to address the cause of your iron deficiency or anaemia going forward.
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What should I expect from my first iron infusion?

How is intravenous iron given? – Intravenous iron is delivered into the patient’s vein through a needle. The procedure takes place in a doctor’s office or a clinic and may take up to several hours, depending on which treatment the physician has prescribed.

Bloating or of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position Gastrointestinal pains, including and cramps Problems with breathing Skin problems, including rash Low blood pressure (a severe reaction that can include difficulty breathing, itching, or a rash over the entire body)

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Why would a pregnant woman need an iron infusion?

It is becoming more popular for pregnant women to request an iron infusion because of tiredness in pregnancy. The iron infusion will only benefit if there is an iron deficiency, which can be checked by a blood test. Most tiredness in pregnancy is not due to iron deficiency.

There is routine checking for anaemia and iron deficiency in early pregnancy and again when the gestational diabetes screening is done. There is a greater body demand for iron in pregnancy and if a woman’s oral intake is not enough she will fall behind. Initially, there will be reduced iron stores and then an iron deficiency anaemia.

While iron deficiency is associated with feeling tired, the more important consideration is coping with blood loss with childbirth. There is blood loss with childbirth (both vaginal deliveries and Caesarean sections) and if a pregnant woman has iron-deficiency anaemia then she has fewer reserves to cope with this blood loss.

• If there is a significant postpartum haemorrhage then she is more likely to need a blood transfusion or iron infusion after delivery.
• For most pregnant women an oral iron supplement is adequate to overcome an iron deficiency.
• Oral iron supplementation is inexpensive, safe and an effective means of restoring iron balance in most pregnant women with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia.

An iron infusion is quicker in action and does not cause the gastrointestinal side effects of oral iron, but an iron infusion is more expensive and has a greater health risk. When taking oral iron because of iron deficiency the recommended intake is 100 – 200 mg of elemental iron daily.

The most popular oral iron medication in pregnancy is Ferrograd C. The added vitamin C helps the body to absorb the iron. Ferrograd C has 105mg of elemental iron. While there is iron in most pregnancy supplements, the amount is not enough to prevent and overcome iron deficiency. When taking oral iron there can be side effects.

The commonest side effects of oral iron include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation and black stools. When oral iron is poorly tolerated it can affect compliance. When a woman has iron deficiency and side effects of oral iron she is more likely to request an iron infusion.

1. As well an iron infusion is indicated if the iron-deficiency anaemia needs to be corrected quickly and following a significant postpartum haemorrhage when a blood transfusion can be avoided.
2. The most popular intravenous iron infusion today is Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose).
3. Ferinject is prescribed, purchased through the pharmacy and taken to the Birth Unit for administration.

Anaphylaxis (which can be fatal) may occur with intravenous iron and resuscitation facilities should be available when being administered. Hence it should be done in a hospital. The pregnant woman should be kept for at least 30 minutes post-infusion for observation. It is important to be aware when considering an iron infusion is that the skin can been permanently stained by an iron infusion. AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) reports: “One recurring complaint is from patients whose skin has been permanently stained by an iron infusion” and recommends women be advised of this risk before having an iron infusion.

One study found an incidence of iron staining to be 1.3%. Iron staining pigmentation has been reduced and sometimes successfully treated with laser therapy on some occasions. Intravenous infusion sites should be monitored closely for swelling before and during administration to minimise the risk of extravasation causing staining.

Intramuscular iron is not recommended because of the increased risk of iron staining
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Do you need to rest after iron infusion?

– After the infusion, you can return to your normal activities straight away. Most people are able to drive themselves home. You can even go back to work after your infusion if you feel up to it. You may have some side effects right after the procedure. Most of them are mild. These include:

temporary changes in the way you taste food and drinks headaches nausea and vomiting muscle and joint pain shortness of breath itchiness and rash increased or decreased blood pressure or heart rate burning sensation or swelling at the site of the injection

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What not to do after an iron infusion?

Iron tablets should be stopped for a week after an iron infusion because the iron in them will not be absorbed by the body. If you are having more than one iron infusion then stop the iron tablets during the course of treatment as well.
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What is considered dangerously low iron in pregnancy?

Who is considered anemic? – The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia in pregnant women as:

First trimester: hemoglobin less than 11.0 g/dL Second trimester: hemoglobin less than 10.5 g/dL Third trimester: hemoglobin less than 11.0 g/dL

Pregnant women are routinely screened for anemia at their first prenatal visit and again between 24 and 28 weeks. For nonpregnant women, hemoglobin lower than 12.0 g/dL is considered anemic,
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How long do you feel sick after iron infusion?

Some people may suffer delayed side effects up to 2 days after the iron infusion. Mostly these effects, such as headache, joint pain, or itch, will settle down themselves over a couple of days. If you are concerned, contact your doctor or the infusion centre for advice.
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What is considered severe anemia in pregnancy?

What are the symptoms of anemia during pregnancy? – You may not notice any symptoms of mild anemia at first. Over time, you may feel:

, Cold.,

Other symptoms include: A blood test called a (CBC) can diagnose anemia. This blood test is often done at one of your first, Your healthcare provider uses the CBC to analyze:

How many red blood cells you have, their size and shape (which can indicate certain conditions like sickle cell anemia). How much iron your body has stored. If you are low in vitamins B12 and B9.

Severe anemia is when results of the CBC show hemoglobin that’s 6.5 to 7.9 grams per deciliter (g/dL). If your results show you have severe anemia, your provider may do a, most likely in an outpatient setting. A blood transfusion will give you a healthy amount of red blood cells. Treatment for anemia during pregnancy depends on the severity. If you have:

Mild to moderate anemia: Your provider will usually treat it with a daily or iron supplement. This gives your body healthy amounts of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Severe anemia: You may need a blood transfusion.

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What should you not do before an iron infusion?

Skip to content To avoid long phone delays during this period of COVID19 please email your queries to [email protected] Iron Infusion IanFok 2017-08-24T09:39:52+00:00 What is Iron? Iron is an essential nutrient for your body. It is an important part of haemoglobin (Hb), the red pigment which gives blood its colour and which carries oxygen around your body.

• Why do I need Iron injections? Your blood results have shown that the amount of iron you have in your blood is low.
• You need iron so your body can make new haemoglobin and red blood cells to carry the oxygen your body requires.
• Therefore, it is very important to have enough iron in your blood.
• What are the likely benefits of Iron injections? By increasing your iron levels, you will see noticeable changes in your energy & concentration levels.

Before you receive Iron injections please stop taking your iron tablets the day before coming to your appointment. You do not need to fast before your iron infusion & please continue your medications as usual. You should not receive Iron injections if: -You are known to be sensitive (allergic) to any iron preparations intended for intramuscular or intravenous administration.

-You are known to have damage to your liver. -You have any acute or chronic infections. How will the Iron be administered? A small needle will be placed in a vein in your hand or arm. The iron will be given through a pump which takes approximately 30-45 minutes. What happens after the procedure? We would like you to wait for half hour after your infusion to ensure there are no adverse reactions eg rash.

If you are well, you will be discharged to go home immediately. Two review appointments will be made to check your iron levels are within normal limits at 1 week & 6 weeks after the infusion. You will be required to have blood test one day before each review appointment.

• Depending on your iron levels, you may require an additional iron to maintain the levels expected.
• Are there any risks? There are some potential side effects to having this injection.
• The most common is a metallic taste in your mouth.
• This normally disappears within 15 minutes of you having the infusion.

You might feel light headed, sick or dizzy. If you have these symptoms, please advise our staff. Other effects you may notice following treatment of iron include lowering of blood pressure, tingling or numbness of the limbs, abdominal discomfort, muscular aches and pains, fever, rashes, skin flushing, swelling of the hands and feet and very rarely, anaphylactic like reactions (e.g.

1. Paleness, swollen lips, itchiness, weakness, sweating, dizziness, feeling of tightness in the chest, chest pain, fast pulse, difficulty in breathing).
2. If this happens after you have left the clinic, please go to your nearest Emergency Department or your GP and tell them that you have had an iron infusion.

This may be an allergic reaction to the iron and you will be given antihistamine medication. Are there any alternatives? You can take iron tablets. But the latest research shows that they are not very effective in patients with any degree of kidney failure.

1. This is why you have been asked to have the iron injection.
2. To aid the iron absorption from your food, research has shown that it is best to avoid tea and coffee for at least 30 minutes either side of having your food.
3. Iron absorption can be reduced by up to 67% if you have tea or coffee at meal times.

To encourage the absorption of iron at meal times a fruit juice, fruit squash, or fruit at meal times will help. If you have any dietary concerns please ask. Who can I contact with queries or concerns? Please ring 90 444 200 Monday to Friday (opening hours 8am to 5pm).
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How painful is an iron infusion?

What happens during an iron infusion – An iron infusion usually takes place at a certified infusion center or a hospital. A doctor or nurse will use a needle to place a small tube, known as a catheter, into a vein. The catheter is generally put into a vein in the hand or arm.

Then, the doctor or nurse will remove the needle, leaving the catheter in the vein. The catheter is connected by a tube to an IV bag of iron. The iron in the bag is diluted with a saline solution. This iron solution is either pumped into the vein or uses gravity to drip down the tube into the body slowly.

Iron infusions don’t hurt, although you may feel a slight pinch when the IV needle is inserted or light pressure at the insertion site during the procedure. The doctor performing your iron infusion will first administer a test dose to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
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How long do you sit for an iron infusion?

How long does it take? You need to allow 90 minutes for the entire process, including 15-20 minutes with the doctor, 30 minutes with the nurse and 30 minutes of waiting after the injection.
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Can you have C section with low iron?

Abstract – Background: Maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) impacts placenta and fetus. We evaluated effects of IDA at admission for delivery on cesarean rates, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study design and methods: Medical records from Jerusalem (2005-2012) identified women with a live-birth singleton fetus in cephalic presentation of any gestational age and excluded planned cesarean, chronic/gestational diseases identified with anemia. Study population was divided into anemic and non-anemic women using WHO criteria. Main outcome measures: cesarean rate, and adverse outcomes (maternal: packed cells transfusion, early post-partum hemorrhage, preterm delivery; and neonatal: 5′ Apgar < 7, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, extreme birthweights). Continuous variable analysis and multivariate backward step-wise logistic regression models were prepared with Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In all, 96,066 deliveries were registered, of which 75,660 (78.8%) were included. IDA was present in 7,977 women (10.5%). Anemia at birth was significantly associated with cesarean section (OR 1.30; 95%CI, 1.13-1.49, p < 0.001), packed cells transfusion (OR 5.48; 95%CI, 4.57-6.58, p < 0.001), preterm delivery (OR 1.54; 95%CI, 1.36-1.76, p < 0.001), macrosomia (OR 1.23; 95%CI, 1.12-1.35, p < 0.001), Large for Gestational Age (OR 1.29; 95%CI, 1.20-1.39, p < 0.001), Apgar 5' < 7 (OR 2.21; 95%CI, 1.84-2.64, p < 0.001), and NICU admission (OR 1.28; 95%CI, 1.04-1.57, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia at delivery is associated with an increased risk for cesarean section and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in otherwise healthy women. Monitoring/correction of hemoglobin concentrations even in late pregnancy may prevent these adverse events. © 2015 AABB.

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Does low iron affect baby during pregnancy?

How does iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy affect the baby? – Severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth (when delivery occurs before 37 complete weeks of pregnancy). Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is also associated with having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression.
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Will I put on weight after iron infusion?

Frequently Asked Questions for Iron Infusion – The iron infusion may lead to weight gain in some patients. Increased iron absorption in the body can cause leptin levels to drop remarkably and cause an increased appetite. Intravenous iron infusion can cause weight gain without protein gain.

However, if chronically ill patients receive intravenous nutrition, it’s difficult to determine the effect of iron infusion on their body weight. Anemia is caused by low nutritional iron intake resulting in iron deficiency. Insufficient iron leads to anemia, and the body cannot produce enough red blood cells.

Such iron deficiency can be compensated with iron supplements or iron infusion. In contrast, anemia of chronic disease results from autoimmune or chronic diseases. Diseases such as chronic kidney diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases can alter red blood cells, causing them to die faster or produce at a much slower rate.

It takes six months for iron supplements to compensate for the body’s iron deficiency. A large part of iron remains unabsorbed by the body and causes gastrointestinal problems. Intravenous iron infusion is absorbed better by the body and does not cause intestinal side effects. One iron infusion can sufficiently replenish iron levels in most patients.

The intravenous iron infusion takes place under the medical supervision of expert doctors and nurses. An iron infusion session typically takes up to 3 to 4 hours, but the duration may vary and can take a long time depending upon the medical condition of the patient.

• It depends on the level of deficiency you have and the cause of the deficiency.
• Usually, one to three iron infusions are given one week apart.
• The severity of anemia is among the deciding factors in ascertaining iron dosage.
• People suffering from chronic and autoimmune diseases might need multiple iron infusion sessions to replenish their iron levels.

IV iron is usually well tolerated. GI symptoms such as constipation and nausea that occur with oral iron do not occur with IV iron. Infrequently, a patient may feel flushing of the face, muscle aches, itchiness or dizziness during an infusion. Fortunately these symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours.

1. It is exceedingly rare to have an allergic reaction to IV iron, but in the event that it happens, our doctors and nurses are trained to manage these side effects swiftly.
2. It is normal to not feel energized immediately after IV iron.
3. It can take up to 2 weeks after the infusion to feel that boost in energy.

It can take 2 weeks or more to see an improvement in your hemoglobin after IV iron. A clear indication of when IV iron is needed during the third trimester is if the mother has iron deficiency anemia with hemoglobin less than 10. In this situation, oral iron may take too long to improve the hemoglobin.
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Is it normal to feel sleepy after iron infusion?

Published February 26, 2018 Emerging risks associated with intravenous (IV) iron formulations are not well recognized, despite increasing utilization to treat high rates of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). While most iron infusions are safe and well tolerated, hypophosphatemia following parenteral iron infusion presents a new complication that appears to be growing in frequency.

Clinicians should encourage patients to seek follow-up care if they experience new musculoskeletal symptoms or unusual tiredness. It can be challenging to restore iron levels with oral medications, which are poorly tolerated in some patients who experience adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, or not effective in other patients with certain comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).

For years, the use of IV iron was unwieldy in clinical settings because of the risk of potential reactions as well as the time and logistics required to administer the full dosage. Newer rapid-push IV formulations deliver iron more quickly and efficiently than drip models.

We have reached the point where there are many different formulations to choose from, but some present the risk of complications in certain susceptible patients,” says Myles Wolf, MD, MMSc, chief of Duke’s Nephrology Division and a leading bone and mineral researcher. Wolf has led research into iron deficiency anemia to investigate the effects of its treatment on fibroblast growth factor 23 and phosphate homeostasis in women.

The risk of hypophosphatemia is higher in patients who do not have kidney disease, he clarifies. “The key message is to understand the differential effects of the various IV iron formulations, keep up with the studies, and use caution when administering them, especially for long-term repeated use,” Wolf says.

Among the IV iron options, ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is often selected because it corrects severe iron deficiency in a single convenient infusion. However, a decrease in serum phosphate concentration is a frequent side effect. Although a single administration of FCM frequently causes transient hypophosphatemia, a 2016 study showed that repeated treatment with FCM is associated with a high risk of developing severe and prolonged hypophosphatemia and should therefore be monitored.

Hypophosphatemia risk appears to be substantially lower with other IV iron formulations.
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Are iron infusions hard on your body?

Iron infusions are an effective way to treat IDA. They’re a good choice if oral iron supplements aren’t right for you. These IDA treatments are relatively safe, but can cause serious allergic reactions for a small number of people.
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Can I drink water during iron infusion?

Medically reviewed in November 2021 Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when your body does not have enough iron to support good health and normal function. Iron is an important component of many proteins and enzymes, including hemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells needed to carry oxygen molecules throughout the body.

• IDA can often be treated by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods and/or taking iron supplements—which should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• However, if iron deficiency is very severe or if a person is unable to tolerate iron supplements, it may be treated with iron infusions.

What is an iron infusion? With an iron infusion, an iron-containing fluid is administered with an IV—it goes directly into a vein and into the blood stream, using a needle and a small flexible tube called a catheter. This will increase the levels of iron and hemoglobin in the body.

This procedure usually takes place at a hospital or a medical facility called a hemodialysis center. What happens during an iron infusion? The infusion will be given while you are sitting down or lying down. A healthcare provider will insert the catheter into a vein (usually in your arm or hand) using a needle.

You might feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in. Your healthcare provider will then remove the needle, leaving the catheter in your vein. The catheter is attached to a long tube, which is connected to an IV bag filled with the iron-containing solution.

• This apparatus uses gravity to slowly drip the IV into the tube and into the vein.
• Before the iron infusion begins, you may be administered a test dose to ensure you’re tolerating the iron well.
• Most people who receive iron infusions experience minimal side effects or no side effects at all.
• If you do not have any adverse or unanticipated reactions, the remaining iron will be administered and you’ll continue to be monitored.

The week before the infusion If you’ve been taking oral iron supplements, your healthcare provider will likely tell you to stop taking these during the week leading up to the infusion. Oral iron supplements may prevent your body from efficiently absorbing the iron given during the infusion.

Additionally, tell your healthcare providers about all other medications you take—including prescription medications, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medications—and ask whether you need to pause taking any of these medications. Preparing for your iron infusion It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about any medical procedure.

Talk to your healthcare provider beforehand. Your healthcare provider can answer questions and walk you through the process. Here are some tips that can help you have a positive experience.

Block off time in your schedule. Since the iron drips into your veins slowly (to help you tolerate it better), the entire process can take up to four hours. Eat a nourishing meal. There’s no need to fast, and in fact it’s important to eat a balanced meal beforehand. Drink plenty of water. In the days leading up to your iron infusion, be sure to drink plenty of water. This will make it easier for the healthcare provider to find your vein when inserting the IV needle. It’s also a good idea to sip water throughout the procedure. Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible, as you’ll be sitting or lying down for several hours. Choose clothing that’s loose and non-constricting—and also be sure to wear a shirt that’s short-sleeved or that has sleeves that can easily be rolled up. Bring some entertainment. Keeping your mind occupied and relaxed will help pass the time. Bring something to watch, read, or listen to.

What can you expect after an iron infusion? Most people can resume everyday activities after an iron infusion, but it’s possible you may experience some side effects for one or two days afterward. Most side effects are mild and may include a headache, nausea, a metallic taste in your mouth, or muscle and joint pain.

1. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, swelling in the mouth, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
2. How many iron infusions will you need? Ideally, IDA symptoms will start to resolve as the amount of iron in your blood increases.
3. This can take several weeks.
4. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your iron levels to ensure the iron infusions are working.

Medically reviewed in September 2021. Sources: Mayo Clinic. “Iron deficiency anemia.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” MedlinePlus. “Iron deficiency anemia.” Cleveland Clinic. “Intravenous Iron Supplementation.” Medicines Learning Portal.
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Can You Feel Sick days after iron infusion?

Some people may suffer delayed side effects up to 2 days after the iron infusion. Mostly these effects, such as headache, joint pain, or itch, will settle down themselves over a couple of days. If you are concerned, contact your doctor or the infusion centre for advice.
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How do you know iron infusion is working?

– An individual can experience some mild side effects for 1-2 days after an iron infusion. Side effects can include a headache, a metallic taste in the mouth, or joint pain. However, if a person experiences chest pain, dizziness, mouth swelling, or difficulty breathing in the days following an iron infusion, they should seek immediate medical attention.

• A doctor will usually ask someone to return several times to receive additional iron infusions as part of their treatment.
• The doctor may increase the dosage according to a person’s tolerance.
• Occasionally, a person will receive only one iron infusion.
• Ideally, the symptoms a person experiences due to low iron levels will start to resolve as the amount of iron in the blood increase.

This can take several weeks as the iron infusions help to build a person’s iron stores back up. A doctor will regularly check the person’s iron levels and blood counts to ensure the iron infusions are working.
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How long does it take to feel the effect of an iron infusion?

Speak To A Doctor – If you feel tired, it is important to first consult with your doctor. Fatigue has many causes and your doctor will thoroughly investigate the causes before recommending any treatment. If you suspect you may be iron deficient or would like to know more about iron infusions in our medical clinic, please or call for an appointment.

1. What is an iron infusion? An iron infusion is a minor procedure.
2. It involves infusing an iron containing medicine directly into the blood circulation.
3. The iron-containing preparation circulates and is delivered to the body organs that require iron for normal functioning.
4. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) also known as FERINJECT®, is an intravenous (IV) iron preparation.

It is used in the treatment of iron deficiency conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). It contains iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose, an iron carbohydrate compound. When is an iron infusion recommended? An iron infusion is sometimes recommended for people who are low in iron (iron deficient).

1. If the body iron is particularly low an iron infusion may be recommended to increase the iron stores quickly.
2. The aim of the iron infusion therapy is to replenish body iron stores and to remedy anaemia, a reduced level of haemoglobin due to iron deficiency.
3. How many iron infusions do you need? How often the iron infusion treatment is needed varies depending on the condition that is causing the iron deficiency, and whether it persists.

One treatment is often enough to improve the condition. How long does it take for an iron infusion to make you feel better? It may take around six to twelve weeks for the effects of an iron infusion to work in your body. It is usually a gradual improvement, with steadily increasing levels of energy, improved sleep quality and better mood and memory.

For some people, the improvements will be very noticeable, while for others it will be subtle. The effect of iron infusions vary from person to person. If you have any questions about the way your iron infusion is making you feel, speak with your GP. Iron infusions are considered safe. Particularly with the newer iron containing preparations currently available.

In the past (older) iron infusions were associated with common side-effects including allergic type reactions. This is much less common with the current iron containing preparation (Ferric carboxymaltose FCM also known as FERINJECT®) but this is still a potential risk.

Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and the benefits of having an iron infusion in your particular circumstances. Is iron infusion painful? An iron infusion is not usually considered to be a painful procedure. You may feel some mild effects of the infusion for 1-2 days following the procedure.

If you begin to experience any chest pain, difficulty breathing or dizziness, it’s important to immediately seek medical attention and raise the issue with your GP when next available. What are the side effects of an iron infusion with FCM? It is unusual to experience any significant side effects from an iron infusion with the newer iron containing medications.

• Some patients may experience a headache or feel nauseated.
• Less commonly some patients experience flushing, a disturbance in taste, itchiness, fever and chills.
• Please see the full list of side effects of iron infusions given to you by your doctor.
• Does iron infusion cause staining? Iron staining is an uncommon but not unheard of adverse effect of intravenous iron administration.

Your doctor will apply principles and techniques that are used to reduce the risk of intravenous iron stains. The rate of skin discolouration with intravenous iron preparations has been reported in clinical trials as 0.68% to 1.3%. What do I need to do on the day of the iron infusion? There is no particular preparation needed for the iron infusion.

It is helpful if you have had plenty of fluids to drink so finding a vein for the infusion can be easier. You will be able to drive home after the iron infusion. The infusion usually takes between 45-60 minutes. Is there anything I need to do after the iron infusion? It is always important to monitor your own health after an iron infusion.

If you experience any significant symptoms (for example chest pain or difficulty breathing) contact your doctor who administered the iron infusion or an emergency department. Still tired after an iron infusion Some people will feel a little tired after an iron infusion, this should pass within a few days.
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