What is an Iron Infusion?

This is a minor procedure to replenish your body’s iron stores.

The iron is administered directly into your blood stream through an intravenous (IV) drip.

Iron is an essential element for the red blood cells, where there isn’t enough iron in your blood stream, your body cannot get enough oxygen, which is necessary for life.

When is an iron infusion recommended?

Some reasons for needing an iron infusion are:

• Blood tests show low levels of iron in your body, and it has not been improved with iron tablets.
• You have significant anaemia and iron tablets give you stomach upset or severe constipation.

What to do prior to your appointment:

• If you have not been to our clinic before, please complete a new patient form New Patient Registration Form
• Complete consent form Iron Infusion Consent Form
• Visit the chemist to pick up your iron (this is the script your doctor gave you). We do not supply your Iron.
• On the day of your appointment ensure you are well hydrated (drink 1.5 litres of fluid). This is to make inserting the needle easier.

On the day of your appointment:

• Bring your iron (visit the chemist to pick up your iron before you come. We do not supply your Iron)
• Bring your referral letter from your doctor
• Bring a book or something to read while you rest
• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time
• Our experienced staff will check your details and take payment
• Our nurses will check your vital signs
• The nurse will then insert a small needle into your vein to administer the iron
• You will be asked to rest for 30 mins in the clinic after your infusion
• Our nurse will then check your vital signs again to make sure all is well
• After your infusion you can drive and resume your normal activities

What to do next:

Make an appointment in 6 weeks with your GP or Specialist to check your iron level (it is good to know the infusion has worked).

Oral iron tablets

• Iron tablets are not usually needed when you have an iron infusion
• Your doctor will advise you if you need to take any more iron tablets after rechecking your iron level six weeks after your infusion

Side effects

It is unusual to have side effects.  Less than 10% of patient’s experience headache, dizziness, rash, and injection site reactions.

Common Side Effects: (can be delayed up to 2 days post infusion)

• Headache
• Mild fever
• Nausea
• Injection/infusion site reactions
• Joint or muscle ache
• Flu like symptoms

Uncommon Side Effects:

• Skin staining (brown discolouration)
• Increased heart rate
• Taste disturbance
• Redness/Rash/Itchiness
• Fever
• Anaphylaxis (or allergic reaction)

Our experienced nurses can give you more information on the day of your iron infusion or phone the clinic.