A Ferinject infusion is an iron infusion that uses the medicine Ferinject. Feirnject contains iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose and is an alternative to oral iron supplements.
Your doctor may recommend a Ferinject infusion if oral iron supplements are ineffective or too harsh on your body, or if you are in need of increasing your iron stores quickly.
During a Ferinject infusion, an intravenous drip administers the medicine directly into your blood and is a quicker alternative to older types of intravenous iron medicines which can take much longer.
Typically, a Ferinject infusion takes twenty to thirty minutes, plus another ten minutes for preparation and you will be required to stay for another thirty minutes after the infusion for monitoring for no side effects.
Your doctor will discuss possible side effects and obtain consent before infusion. During the Ferinject infusion, a doctor or nurse will monitor you; please notify your doctor or nurse if you feel unwell or if you experience any side effects during your treatment. You can go home thirty minutes after your treatment if you have shown no signs of side effects.
After six weeks, your doctor will ask you to do a follow-up blood test to check your iron stores. If your iron stores are still low, you may need further tests, or you may receive a referral to a specialist for additional investigations.
For more information on iron infusions, read our articles what is an iron infusion and iron infusions: what to expect.
Why is iron important?
So, now you know why doctors may recommend ferinject infusions, but do you know why iron is so important?
Iron is a mineral that is vital to human life as red blood cells and muscle tissue requires it for its oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin. Iron deficiency occurs if your body does not have enough iron stores and hence, your body can only make fewer red blood cells. This means your body has less haemoglobin which can cause anaemia. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia.
Here at The Clinic, we perform Ferinject infusions. If you wish to discuss further with one of our doctors, please book an appointment online or call us on 03 9741 1200.
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