If you are experiencing excessive tiredness or having difficulty breathing regularly, you might have low iron levels in your body. In cases such as these – also known as iron deficiency anaemia – you might need to be prescribed an iron injection or infusion by your doctor. Montserrat Medical Services can help you with this procedure, and here’s what it will involve.
Iron Infusion
What is an Iron Infusion?
Iron is used to make haemoglobin, which is an important part of red blood cells as they help carry oxygen to our vital organs and tissues. When the amount of iron in the body gets too low, the haemoglobin levels fall below normal. This is known as ‘iron deficiency anaemia’.
If your iron levels are low, it can negatively impact your mental function, muscle strength and energy levels. You might feel more tired than usual, experience shortness of breath and even have difficulty performing basic everyday activities.
An iron infusion can help to restore these low levels of iron in your body. The procedure is given via an intravenous infusion where an iron-containing product is infused directly into your vein and into your blood circulation. This iron product circulates in your blood and is delivered to the organs in your body that need iron to function normally.
When is an Iron Infusion Recommended?
Taking oral iron supplements in tablet or liquid form – is the most common way to treat iron deficiency anaemia and is usually recommended first. However, some people with iron deficiency anaemia find these supplements don’t restore their iron levels well enough. That might be because they are experiencing side effects such as stomach pain and constipation or not taking the supplements as prescribed. In some instances, the gut simply doesn’t absorb the oral iron supplement properly.
When oral iron supplements aren’t working as quickly as necessary or being tolerated by the body, iron infusions are prescribed. Intravenous iron infusions can rapidly restore your body’s iron levels to normal, allowing for the production of more haemoglobin so that red blood cells can carry oxygen to your body’s tissues.
Before prescribing an iron infusion, your doctor will consider your own circumstances and whether the benefits outweigh any potential side effects.
Why Choose Montserrat
Montserrat Medical Services helps patients who are experiencing low levels of iron or iron deficiency anaemia with iron infusions. We are a private practice committed to treating every patient in a friendly and caring day hospital environment. Our practice welcomes patients who have been recommended by their doctor to have an iron infusion.
Our practice partners with day hospitals licensed with Queensland Health and we have current contracts with all major private health insurers and government departments. We offer competitive rates to insured patients with adequate hospital cover, and also frequently treat non-insured patients. We will happily provide you with a quote on request.
A referral from your GP or specialist is required prior to organising an iron infusion at our facility. For further information or to book your iron infusion today, please contact us on (07) 3833 6701.
Preparing for an IV Iron Infusion
There is no particular preparation required for an iron infusion, however we recommend:
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of fluids (water) so finding a vein for the infusion is easier.
Eating
Having food in your stomach, as there is no need to fast.
Medications
Taking your regular medications as normal.
The Iron Infusion Procedure
An iron infusion is administered intravenously (IV). In other words, the iron is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein in order to treat iron deficiency anemia. A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand and then connected to a drip.
The iron medication is diluted in a sterile saline (saltwater) solution, which helps it to be gradually infused into your bloodstream. As the delivery is slow, it helps your body absorb the iron safely.
The total infusion process usually takes around an hour from start to finish, depending on the amount of iron prescribed. During the procedure, your vital signs – including blood pressure and heart rate – will be closely monitored to make sure your body is responding well and to eliminate any risk of side effects. While the procedure itself is generally easy to tolerate, our clinical staff will always be on hand to manage any reactions should they occur. After the infusion, you will be observed for a short period of time before being discharged.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the infusion, you might experience temporary changes in your blood pressure or heart rate. The good news is that these issues are usually mild and temporary. Sometimes, side effects such as headaches, muscle or joint pain are felt 24–48 hours following the infusion. These usually settle down by themselves over the following few days. Patients should report any unexpected reaction or side effects to their healthcare provider straight away. Some patients may experience:
- A metallic taste in the mouth.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pains.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Itchiness/rash.
- Changes to blood pressure or pulse.
- Irritation or swelling at the injection site.
- Low phosphate levels.
Skin staining (brown discolouration) may occur due to leakage of iron into the tissues around the needle insertion site. This is not common, but the stain can be long lasting or permanent.
Although very uncommon, some people may have a serious allergic reaction. In rare cases, this can be life threatening. You will be closely monitored and may be given corticosteroids/antihistamines to reduce your risk of this occurring.
Meet our Iron Infusion Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Iron infusions take place at our Westside Private Hospital location in Taringa, Brisbane. This facility is renowned for its high standard of patient care and comfortable surroundings for you to enjoy while undergoing treatment.
Yes, a referral from your GP or specialist is required before booking an iron infusion with Montserrat. In most cases, you will need to have a consultation with one of the gastroenterologists before booking the iron infusion to check if any other investigations are required and to make sure the infusion is recommended.
Please allow approximately 1 hour for the iron infusion to take place. The infusion process takes around 30 minutes to complete, but there will also be an observation period which is required immediately after the infusion. This helps to ensure you experience no adverse side effects.
Usually a single iron infusion treatment will restore your iron levels adequately, although the treatment can be repeated if required. This will depend on the type of condition that’s causing your iron deficiency in the first place. Your doctor will advise if an additional infusion is needed.
Yes, you will be able to drive home afterwards.
Iron infusions can restore your iron levels immediately following the procedure. However, it may take around 2–6 weeks before you notice a difference in your body. While it’s a gradual increase in overall improvement for everyone, for some people the gains will be very noticeable and happen much sooner, while for others it will be subtle and take longer.
Following an infusion, you can return to your normal activities – such as exercise, driving and even work – as long as you feel up to it. Some people might feel a little tired following an iron infusion, but this should pass within a few days. If you are feeling unusual tiredness or have prolonged side effects in the weeks following your iron infusion, please contact our clinic or your referring doctor.