Iron Infusions

Why do I need iron?

Our bodies need iron. Iron is used to make haemoglobin, which is part of the red blood cell that transports oxygen around the body.

Iron is also important for muscle strength, energy and mental function. As the iron levels drop lower, the haemoglobin levels drop below normal. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia.

If your iron levels are low, you may feel some or all of the following:

Tired and not able to perform your normal daily activities
Fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Fast heartbeat
Headache
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Anxiety

Common Questions

What is an iron infusion and how will this help me?

The most common way to treat iron deficiency is to take iron by mouth as a tablet or liquid. This works for most people and is usually tried first. However, you might need an iron infusion if you:

are not able to take iron tablets/liquids
are not responding to iron tablets/liquids
need to increase your iron levels quickly (e.g. before major surgery, late in pregnancy or to avoid a blood transfusion)
have chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, or inflammatory bowel disease.

An intravenous (IV) iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through a small cannula inserted into a vein, usually in your forearm. The iron is mixed with a saline solution and infused safely over 20–30 minutes. Iron infusions replenish iron levels faster than tablets or liquid supplements, and some people may require more than one infusion to restore their iron levels.

What is the process for booking an iron infusion?

First, book a consultation with a GP to discuss whether you need an iron infusion. If you haven’t had a blood test to check your iron levels, your GP will provide a pathology request. If your blood test already indicates you need an iron infusion, you’ll still need a GP consultation to obtain a prescription for the iron medication and arrange your infusion appointment. The easiest way to do this is to:

Book a standard appointment with your GP to discuss whether to have an iron infusion or not and obtain a prescription for iron at that time
Book a longer iron infusion appointment with your GP, either on the same day or at a time that suits you. Your 1-hour appointment includes the infusion procedure, as well as pre- and post-infusion checks with our nurse.

For those patients who require a second iron infusion, your appointment will be booked 1 week after your first infusion.

What are the common side effects?

The following side effects can sometimes occur 1 to 2 days after the infusion:

pain, redness and/or swelling at the site of administration
muscle aches and/or bone pain
headaches
dizziness
nausea and/or vomiting
change in blood pressure

Most people experience no real side effects and if they do occur they are usually transient. But if they persist or are concerning you must return to your GP for review.

Physical benefits and improvement are usually felt within 1 – 2 weeks after having an iron infusion