A closer look at our Iron Infusion service

Our services mentioned in this article: IV Iron Infusions, Blood Tests

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient disorder in the world, so sometimes we need a little help to boost our levels with an iron infusion. An iron infusion delivers a dose of liquid iron directly into the bloodstream via a vein with an IV drip and favoured by us over iron injections which can stain the skin and require smaller doses of iron. At Effect Doctors, we’re proud to offer an Iron Infusion service, but you may be wondering what an iron iv drip infusion involves, so here’s a quick look at what to expect:

What happens during the iron infusion treatment?

Your doctor will use a very small needle (cannula) to insert a small tube into one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand – this is known as a catheter. Then, they will remove the needle, leaving the catheter in your vein. The catheter is attached to a long tube, which is connected to an IV bag of the iron, which has been diluted with a saline solution. The infusion is then slowly run into your body.

The Doctor will start very slowly to ensure that any adverse reactions from the iron are immediately recognised and appropriate steps taken. Reactions are very rare particularly with the hospital grade iron formulation that we use but if you do have a reaction we may after careful consideration, continue the procedure more slowly either with our without extra medications to reduce side effects (such as a an antihistamine or IV hydrocortisone (a steroid). If the reaction is severe we would likely not continue with the procedure.

Does the treatment hurt?

Many people are worried about the treatment being painful or uncomfortable.  It is generally a painless procedure except for a slight pinch or scratch in your skin where the IV needle is inserted.

How long does the treatment take?

Your infusion including the consultation time will generally take about an hour to administer, so you should expect to remain seated for this time. In some cases, the infusion can take a little longer.

Usually one iron infusion will fully replenish your iron levels though at times (in cases of severe deficiency paired with anaemia) a second one is required a week later.

What are the benefits of iron infusions?

An iron infusion is a great way to boost your iron levels quickly, which is beneficial if you have a severe drop in your levels. Iron infusions can also help to increase energy and can make breathing easier.

What are the main reasons for needing an iron infusion?

• The most common cause of iron deficiency is due to menstrual blood loss.
• You may have a medical issue that means you can’t absorb iron adequately through your gut.
• You may not be able to take iron by mouth or take tablets.
• You need to increase iron levels fast to avoid medical complications or a blood transfusion or prior to surgery.
• You eat a diet that’s very low in iron.
• You may take medicines that affect your body’s ability to use iron to make haemoglobin. These include aspirin, heparin, and Coumadin.
• You may have a condition that uses up more iron, such as kidney failure or pregnancy.
• You are severely iron deficient with symptoms which require a rapid resolution.

How should you prepare for an iron infusion?

We want you to feel completely at ease and comfortable during your treatment, so here are some tips to help you prepare. Our doctors will also provide you with specific instructions for preparing you for your iron infusion. Some basic things you can do to prepare on the day of your infusion include:

• Eat your breakfast and lunch, as there is no need to fast for an iron infusion
• Take your regular medications
• Be prepared to have a small IV drip put in your arm or hand
• Drink plenty if water before

You may feel nervous about your iron infusion, and you can help reduce any anxieties by talking about the procedure with your doctor first. They can recommend ways to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. If you’d like a call before just let us know.

How can you feel more comfortable during the treatment?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Have drinking water available
• Listen to your favourite music, or film or TV show on a tablet or smartphone
• Read a book or magazine
• Do some basic breathing and meditation exercises
• Ask our doctors if there’s anything you’re concerned, or would like to know more about

Are there any side effects to be aware of?

Iron infusions are generally very safe and are well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. After the infusion, you can usually in the vast majority of cases return to your normal activities straight away. Most people are able to drive themselves home. You can even go back to work after your infusion if you feel up to it.

Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived and may include a metallic taste in the mouth, headache, nausea, flushing, warmth, dizziness, or mild changes in blood pressure. These occur in approximately 1 in 100 patients.

Less commonly (between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 patients), individuals may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, rashes, muscle or joint aches, back pain, irritation around the cannula site, or nausea. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve without lasting effects.

Mild allergic reactions can occur but are even more uncommon, affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 patients. In these cases you may get hives or develop a rash. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are very rare, occurring in between approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 patients. Although extremely uncommon, anaphylaxis can be serious and requires immediate treatment. For this reason, iron infusions are administered under medical supervision with appropriate emergency medications and equipment readily available.

There is a small risk of iron extravasation, where iron leaks outside the vein into the surrounding tissues this occurs when the cannula has not been sited properly or becomes misplaced during the treatment. This can result in skin staining, which may be permanent. Great care is taken by our experienced team to ensure the cannula is correctly positioned and functioning properly before and during the infusion to minimise this risk.

Some intravenous iron preparations can cause a reduction in blood phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia). In most cases this is mild and causes no symptoms. Rarely, patients may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, or other symptoms related to low phosphate levels. With the iron we generally use (Ferric Derisomaltose) the risk of this affecting you clinically is less than 1%.

Overall, serious complications from intravenous iron treatment are very rare, and the treatment is considered safe and effective when administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals

How can I check my levels?

Our doctors can perform a range of blood tests and check your iron levels to determine if they’re low. If you’re unsure whether you have sufficient iron levels arrange a blood test today.

We offer a rapid ferritin check for £50 or a more comprehensive blood panel for £150 which can defect hidden iron deficiency (iron deficiency can be masked by inflammation in the body).