Iron Infusions

Iron infusions are conducted at Healthcare on Collins.

An appointment with a Doctor is required prior to perform necessary blood testing and to ensure that the iron infusion is appropriate for you. Blood testing will help determine the dose of iron you need. Your Doctor will also provide a prescription for the iron solution that can be purchased from a pharmacy or from Healthcare on Collins.

The infusion of iron itself takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes but you will be required to stay at the practice for 30 minutes following the infusion. In total you will be here for just over an hour.
The out-of-pocket cost for the iron infusion is $210.00 plus the cost of the iron solution.

What is an IV iron infusion?

Intravenous or ‘IV’ means giving something directly into the blood stream of the body through a vein. A needle placed into a vein is attached to a drip that contains iron mixed with saline (a sterile salt water solution). This fluid is slowly ‘dripped’ (infused) into the vein and mixes with the blood in your body.

Why is iron important?

Iron is essential for the body to make haemoglobin (Hb), a pigment that makes red blood cells red. When the amount of iron in the body gets too low, the haemoglobin level falls below normal. This is known as ‘iron deficiency anaemia’.

Haemoglobin is very important as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If your haemoglobin or iron levels are low this may make you feel tired and not able to carry out your normal routine.

Why might I need IV iron?

The most common way to treat iron deficiency anaemia is to take iron by mouth as a tablet or liquid. This approach works well for most people and is usually tried first.

IV iron might be needed if you are:

• Unable to tolerate iron taken by mouth
• Unable to absorb iron through the gut
• Unable to absorb enough iron due to the amount of blood that the body is losing
• In need of a rapid increase in iron levels to avoid complications or a blood transfusion

Risks and benefits of IV iron

Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits and available alternatives to IV iron in your particular case. The most significant risk of IV iron is a small chance of having an allergic reaction which, in rare cases, can be life threatening. IV iron is prescribed for iron deficiency anaemia when oral iron is not tolerated, effective or likely to work quickly enough and the benefits of IV iron outweigh the risks in your particular case.

Before you have IV iron:

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Have a history of asthma, eczema or other allergies
• Have had a reaction to any type of iron injection or infusion in the past
• Have a history of high iron levels, haemachromatosis or liver problems
• Are on any medications (including over the counter or herbal supplements)

Side effects of IV iron

Patients receiving iron infusions can experience side effects including:

• Temporary changes in taste (e.g. metallic)
• Headache, feeling sick or vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Itchiness, rash
• Changes to blood pressure or pulse
• Burning and swelling at injection site
• Possible permanent skin staining around the area where the cannula has been inserted
• Severe side effects are rare; you will be closely monitored for any signs of these side effects by nursing staff

Day of the iron infusion

• Have your breakfast/lunch. You do not need to fast for an iron infusion.
• Take all your regular medications.
• You can drive home after the infusion (unless there is an unexpected reaction) and resume usual activities.
• The doctor/nurse will put a small IV drip in your arm/hand through which iron is given.
• If you experience any side effects, inform staff immediately.

After the iron infusion

Sometimes side effects can start one to two days after the infusion and include headache, mild fever, joint and muscle aches.

These generally settle down by themselves over the next few days. They are more common with ‘total dose’ infusions of iron.

If you are worried or side effects are interfering with your daily activities contact your doctor for advice.

If you would like to discuss iron infusions please call our reception or nursing staff on (03) 9650 4284.