Iron Infusion

Intravenous Iron

What is iron?
Iron is an essential nutrient used by the body. It forms part of your red blood cells which are
responsible for carrying oxygen around your body.

Why do I need intravenous iron?
If you do not have enough iron your body cannot make red blood cells and so less oxygen is carried around your body. This is a condition known as iron-deficiency anaemia which can lead to symptoms such as:
 * Shortness of breath
 * Feeling tired
 * Dizziness
 * Lack of energy
 * Irritability
 * Poor concentration
Iron is given intravenously (IV) when oral iron tablets are not effective or not tolerated. Replacement of iron stores will help to correct your iron-deficiency anaemia. It can be given anytime after the 1st trimester, up until after you have given birth.

Inform your doctor/midwife if:
You have an allergy to iron preparations intended for intravenous administration.
You have any drug allergies or are allergic to plasters or latex.
You have a history of immune or inflammatory conditions.
You have severe asthma, eczema or atopic (contact) allergy.
You are known to have damage to your liver or kidneys.
You have an infection or feel unwell.

How will the iron be given?
Depending on the preparation and dose intravenous iron can be given as an infusion over 15
minutes or up to 6 hours long. Your doctor will decide which preparation is most suitable for you
to receive.
You will be monitored during administration of intravenous iron and for 30 minutes afterwards.
This is to ensure you have not had an allergic reaction to the intravenous iron.

What are the side effects?
All medicines have side effects but they do not occur in all people who take them. The most common side effects are a metallic taste in your mouth (this usually occurs after 15 minutes), headache, dizziness, feeling sick, stomach pain, feeling hot and blurred vision. There is also a rare risk of skin staining at the cannula site which is often Permanent. 

Allergic reactions can occur causing:
Shortness of breath
Skin rash, flushing or itching
Nausea and vomiting
Shivering
Fever
Muscle or joint pains.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms during or after you receive intravenous iron
please inform your midwife or doctor.
Rarely serious allergic reactions can occur which is why you will be closely monitored during and
for 30 minutes after.
Sometimes reactions can be delayed for up to 4 days after treatment. It is therefore important that if you experience any of the above signs or symptoms you see a doctor.

Are there any alternatives to intravenous iron?
As you are requiring intravenous iron it is likely that your doctor has decided oral iron tablets are
not effective or you may not have tolerated them. If you decide you do not wish to have
intravenous iron you may require blood transfusions to correct your anaemia. Blood transfusions
are associated with some side effects and short term and long term risks. Please discuss with
your doctor if you do not wish to have intravenous iron.

Follow up details
If you were taking oral iron tablets before the infusion, these should be stopped for 5 days after your iron infusion.
If you have received an iron infusion during the second or third trimester, you will be followed up by your community midwife. This is to repeat the blood tests 2 weeks after your infusion.
If the infusion was done after you have given birth, your GP may want to follow up with further
blood tests, but this is not always necessary.

Contact information
This information is not intended to replace your doctor's or midwife’s advice. Please speak to your doctor, midwife or GP if you have any concerns about the information provided.