Iron Infusion Clinics

Even if the cause of the iron deficiency can be identified and treated, it is still usually necessary to take medicinal iron (more iron than a multivitamin can provide) until the deficiency is corrected and the body’s iron stores are replenished. 

In some cases, if the cause cannot be identified or corrected, the patient may have to receive supplemental iron on an ongoing basis.

There are several ways to increase iron intake:

Intravenous Iron (infusion)

Since the approval of a new iron formulation called FerInject to be covered by Medicare ineligible patients, more and more people have chosen to have iron given intravenously. 

Unlike previous formulations that must be diluted and given slowly over 6-7 hours, the new preparation FerInject can be given over 15 minutes. 

There is no sedation involved and you can drive back to work after the infusion. The advantages of an iron infusion include the immediate boost in iron stores and the avoidance of common side effects of oral iron (constipation). 

Liquid iron can be expensive if taken for an extended period of time (often months).

How is Iron Infusion given?

After being admitted by nursing staff and baseline observations have been taken (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation), 

• the doctor will insert a cannula into a small vein in the arm or back of the hand. 
• Your nurse will then connect a medication line to the cannula containing 20mL of Iron solution (corresponding to 1g of Iron). 
• The infusion will commence once you are comfortable and take approximately 15 minutes. 
• Once the infusion is complete, the medication line will be flushed with saline, disconnected, and removed just prior to discharge. 
• Repeat observations will be taken upon completion of the infusion and you will be discharged shortly after when deemed safe by your nurse.

Possible side effects

A major consideration is to ensure that the person who inserts the intravenous cannula is very experienced at it. 

All the cannulations are inserted by our experienced doctors, as this drastically reduces the risk of iron leaking from the vein to the surrounding tissue, which can leave a dark stain on your skin for a number of months. 

Other side effects are mild, and occur in 1 to 10% of patients, but tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs: rash (eg. hives), itching, wheezing and /or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or body.

Following your Iron infusion you may:

• Eat and drink your normal diet
• Drive a vehicle
• Return to work