Iron Infusion Therapy in Caringbah
Why is iron important?
Iron is needed to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It also supports normal energy production and other important functions.
When iron levels are low, some people may experience symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, headaches, dizziness or shortness of breath. If iron deficiency becomes significant, it can contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.
The cause and severity of iron deficiency can vary between individuals. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to assess your iron levels and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
What is an iron infusion?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into a vein through an intravenous (IV) cannula. The iron solution is administered gradually while you are monitored by the medical team.
Iron deficiency is commonly managed with dietary measures and oral iron supplements. An iron infusion may be considered when oral iron is not suitable, is not adequately improving iron levels, is not tolerated, or when intravenous iron is clinically appropriate.
At our Caringbah clinic, iron infusion therapy is prescribed to effectively treat iron deficiency anemia in a safe and controlled environment.
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, blood test results, medical history and the likely cause of your iron deficiency before recommending an infusion.
When May an Iron Infusion Be Considered?
- Oral iron cannot be taken or is not tolerated.
- Oral iron has not adequately improved iron levels.
- Iron is not being adequately absorbed.
- Iron replacement is clinically required within a shorter timeframe.
- There is an ongoing condition contributing to iron deficiency or blood loss.
When an Iron Infusion May Not Be Suitable
An iron infusion may not be appropriate for everyone. Your doctor will consider your medical history, current health and blood test results before recommending treatment.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have previously experienced a reaction to intravenous iron.
- Have iron overload or haemochromatosis.
- Have anaemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.
- Have an active infection or are unwell.
- Are pregnant, particularly during early pregnancy.
- Have kidney disease or are receiving dialysis.
- Have any other condition or allergy that may affect your treatment.
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Preparing for Your Iron Infusion Treatment at Our Caringbah Infusion Clinic
When you visit our Caringbah Infusion Clinic, your doctor will provide clear instructions on how to prepare for your first iron infusion treatment. Some basic things you can do to prepare on the day of your infusion include
- There is no need to fast for an iron infusion, please eat your breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment
- Take your regular medications
- Please talk to your doctor about the procedure first if you feel nervous about the iron infusion. Your doctor can recommend ways to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
Tips for comfort
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Have drinking water available.
- Listen to your favourite music on your smartphone.
- Watch a film or TV show on a tablet or smartphone.
- Bring your favourite book or magazine.
What happens during an iron infusion?
Our experienced emergency medicine specialist doctor would insert the intravenous cannula usually into a vein in your arm or hand. Then, he will remove the needle, leaving the catheter in your vein.
The catheter is connected to a long tube leading to an IV bag containing iron, which is diluted with a saline solution to reduce potential side effects. At our Caringbah Infusion Clinic, the iron infusion process is closely monitored by our medical team to ensure both safety and comfort.
The doctor performing the procedure will start the infusion slowly first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions from the iron. If you do, they will stop the procedure, and our emergency physician will look after you.
How long does an iron infusion take?
Iron infusion therapy at our Caringbah Infusion Clinic, can take up to one hour. In some cases, the infusion may take a little longer, depending on the level of treatment your doctor thinks you need or your heart condition. The slow infusion rate helps prevent complications.
It often takes several iron infusions to bring the body’s iron levels up to the appropriate levels. You will receive iron infusions over the course of one or two months for your treatments. Iron infusions take time and can be more expensive than other types of anemia treatments.
Side Effects and Risks of Iron Infusion
As with any medical treatment, intravenous iron can cause side effects. Many reactions are mild and temporary, but more serious reactions can occur.
Possible side effects may include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Changes in taste
- Muscle or joint aches
- Skin itching or rash
- Changes in blood pressure
- Temporary discomfort, swelling or irritation around the IV site
Tell the healthcare professional immediately if you feel unwell during the infusion or develop symptoms afterwards.
Although uncommon, iron infusion therapy may result in a serious adverse effect known as iron toxicity. The symptoms of iron toxicity may come on quickly, which can cause anaphylactic shock. Or they may come on slowly over time. Iron toxicity that develops over time leads to too much iron in the body’s tissues.
The test dose and the slow infusion rate are both used to prevent this complication. The test dose is also important if you have a history of multiple drug allergies. Your doctor will use the test dose to monitor you for any reactions.
These reactions can include:
- Anaphylaxis
- Shock and severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Collapse
Iron infusions during pregnancy
Iron requirements increase during pregnancy, and iron deficiency can occur during this time. Depending on the severity of the deficiency and the response or suitability of oral iron, your doctor may consider intravenous iron.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before treatment. The timing and suitability of an iron infusion will depend on your individual circumstances and clinical assessment.
If a specialist referral is required by the clinic, this should be arranged before your appointment.
What to Expect After an Iron Infusion
The purpose of an iron infusion is to replenish iron stores when intravenous iron is considered appropriate.
How quickly you notice an improvement varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the severity and cause of iron deficiency, your overall health and whether another condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend follow-up blood tests to assess your response to treatment and determine whether further iron replacement is needed.
Treating the underlying cause of iron deficiency is also important, particularly when ongoing blood loss or another medical condition is contributing to low iron levels.
Book an Iron Infusion in Caringbah
Your doctor may recommend additional iron-increasing therapies, such as supplementation and dietary changes, which can prolong the benefits.
To book an iron infusion at our Caringbah infusion clinic, please contact us on 02 9063 8650
Fee (excluding consumable): $180
