Intravenous Iron Infusions

You may be advised to have an iron infusion if your blood tests show that your iron stores are low. Iron is needed to support the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells, helping oxygen circulate effectively throughout the body.

For some patients, oral iron tablets may not be suitable or effective. They can take several weeks to improve haemoglobin levels and may cause side effects such as constipation, nausea or stomach discomfort. In comparison, an iron infusion delivers iron directly into the bloodstream and can begin to show an increase in haemoglobin after around one week, with peak effect usually seen within two to four weeks.

Increasing your iron levels may help improve symptoms associated with low iron. Patients may notice they feel less tired, have more energy, experience improved concentration and feel less breathless during exercise or day-to-day activity.

Your clinician will review your blood results and advise whether IV iron therapy is appropriate for you. Treatment targets may include haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels, depending on your individual results and clinical needs.

Before your appointment, you may be asked to stop taking iron tablets the day before your infusion.

During treatment, a small needle is placed into a vein in your hand or arm. The iron is then administered through a pump over approximately 15 to 45 minutes. If you feel well afterwards, you will usually be able to go home after a short observation period of around 15 to 20 minutes.

For most patients, a total dose infusion is given as a single treatment. In some cases, a second infusion may be recommended around one week later. Unless there is ongoing blood loss or another clinical reason, further treatment is not usually required for up to six months.

As with any medical treatment, IV iron therapy can have side effects. The most common is a temporary metallic taste in the mouth, which usually disappears within around 15 minutes. Some patients may feel lightheaded, sick or dizzy during the infusion. Less common effects can include changes in blood pressure, tingling, abdominal discomfort, muscle aches, fever, rash, flushing or swelling of the hands and feet.

Serious allergic reactions are very rare, but the clinic team will monitor you during and after treatment. There is also a very rare risk of iron staining if the infusion leaks into the surrounding tissue, so it is important to tell your nurse immediately if you feel pain at the injection site.