Iron infusions administer iron directly into your bloodstream. You may already know what an iron infusion does, but are you wondering what to expect during an iron infusion?
Firstly, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion if:
Your iron is quite low
You are having adverse reactions to iron supplements
Iron supplements haven't worked
You are pregnant
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include:
General fatigue
Weakness
Fast heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath
Brittle nails
Pale skin
Cold hands and feet
Cravings for unhealthy substances such as ice, dirt or starch
A blood test diagnoses iron deficiency anaemia. From there, you and your doctor can decide on the right treatment for you.
What to expect during your iron infusion.
Before the iron infusion - what to expect:
To request an iron infusion, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss. (If your doctor recommends an iron infusion, this will also happen in an appointment prior to the procedure.)
During this appointment, your doctor will advise you of the potential risks involved with an iron infusion (risks include possible staining and allergic reaction), and the potential benefits.
Your doctor will talk you through the procedure in the appointment. You do not have to decide whether you will have the iron infusion on the spot and you will be sent home with a print out of information so you can weigh up whether this procedure is right for you. However, if you are in desperate need of iron, your doctor may encourage you to receive the infusion sooner rather than later.
Along with the printout, you will be given a consent form and a prescription for Ferinject - the medicine that is used for iron infusions.
During the iron infusion - what to expect:
You will need to bring along the Ferinject and completed consent form to your iron infusion appointment.
Before commencing the infusion, your doctor will check your blood pressure, then again during and after the infusion.
Your doctor will insert a cannula into your arm, then he/she will administer a saline flush; this is to minimise the risk of staining.
Next, your cannula will be attached to an IV drip that contains the iron medicine, Ferinject. The iron is administered slowly over twenty to forty minutes.
During the whole procedure, you will be closely monitored by a doctor or nurse.
If at any stage you feel unwell or an odd sensation at the injection site, please advise your doctor or nurse.
Once the infusion is finished, your doctor or nurse will do another saline flush again to minimise the risk of staining.
You will be asked to stay at the practice for another thirty minutes to ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions.
During your consultation, your doctor will also discuss the causes of iron deficiency and may request further tests or referral to a specialist.
Six weeks after your iron infusion, we recommend you have an iron studies blood test to check your iron stores.
If you would like to discuss whether an iron infusion might help you, please make an appointment with one of our doctors; call 03 9741 1200 or book online.
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