An iron infusion is a medical procedure that delivers iron directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method is also known as intravenous iron supplementation. It aims to increase the body’s iron levels more quickly than oral supplements. A healthcare provider performs this procedure in a medical office, clinic, or hospital setting. This treatment helps replenish iron stores and supports the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
When an Iron Infusion is Necessary
Healthcare providers recommend an iron infusion when oral iron supplements are insufficient, poorly tolerated, or when a rapid increase in iron levels is needed. Oral iron is often the first approach for iron deficiency, but it may not be effective for everyone.
Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) can impair the body’s ability to absorb iron from the digestive tract, making oral supplements less effective. For instance, IBD patients may experience chronic blood loss and inflammation that hinder iron absorption, leading to persistent iron deficiency anemia.
CKD can also lead to iron deficiency because impaired kidney function affects erythropoietin production, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, and can reduce iron absorption. Additionally, individuals undergoing dialysis often lose blood, further contributing to iron deficiency.
An iron infusion may also be recommended in cases of severe anemia, during pregnancy, or before certain surgeries. In these situations, quick iron replenishment is beneficial to avoid complications or blood transfusions.
The Process of Receiving an Infusion
Receiving an iron infusion begins with a consultation with a healthcare provider. During this visit, the provider assesses symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath, which can indicate low iron levels. They then order specific blood tests to evaluate iron status comprehensively.
These diagnostic tests include a complete blood count to check hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin to measure iron stores, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) to assess how well iron is transported in the blood. For example, an iron infusion might be considered if ferritin is below 30 ng/mL with TSAT under 20%, or if ferritin is between 30-100 ng/mL with TSAT below 20% in the presence of inflammation.
Once blood test results confirm a significant iron deficiency and the need for an infusion, the doctor prescribes the treatment and provides a referral to an infusion center or hospital. An iron infusion is a prescribed medical treatment, not something that can be requested without a thorough medical evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Infusion
On the day of the infusion, patients are advised to eat and take their regular medications unless otherwise instructed. Upon arrival at the clinic or hospital, a healthcare professional checks vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
A small needle is then inserted, usually into a vein in the arm or hand, to place an IV catheter. This catheter connects to a tube leading to an IV bag containing the iron solution diluted with saline. The iron solution is slowly administered into the vein, either by gravity or through an IV pump.
The duration of an iron infusion varies depending on the specific iron preparation and dosage, ranging from about 15 minutes to several hours. Some newer formulations deliver a full dose in as little as 15 minutes, while others take up to 3 to 4 hours. During the infusion, medical staff continuously monitor for any immediate reactions, and patients are seated comfortably in a supervised environment.
After Your Iron Infusion
After the iron infusion, the IV catheter is removed, and the patient is monitored for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure no adverse reactions occur. Most individuals can drive themselves home and resume normal activities immediately, provided they feel well.
Mild and temporary side effects can occur, including headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle or joint pain, or a temporary metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms often resolve within a few days.
A rare side effect is skin discoloration, which can occur if the iron solution leaks outside the vein into the surrounding tissue. This staining can be brown or rusty in appearance and may be permanent. Patients should report any discomfort at the infusion site immediately to minimize this risk.
Benefits like increased energy and improved breathing may begin to be felt within a few weeks after treatment. Follow-up blood tests, performed two to four weeks post-infusion, are important to check new iron levels and confirm the treatment’s effectiveness.