Iron Infusion

Iron deficiency

Our bodies need iron. Iron is used to make haemoglobin – the part of our red blood cells that carries oxygen around our body. It is also important for muscle strength, energy and good mental function. If your iron levels are low this may make you feel tired, short of breath, and not able to do normal daily activities. As the amount of iron in the body falls even lower, the haemoglobin level drops below normal. This is known as Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

Treating Iron Deficiency

The most common way to treat iron deficiency is to take iron by mouth as a tablet or liquid. This works well for most people and is usually tried first. Sometimes there are problems with oral iron supplementation, such as constipation. Some people may need iron to be given straight into the body through a vein if you are not able to take, are not responding to, or are not absorbing Iron tablets/liquid. Other indications include needing to get your iron levels up quickly (eg. before major surgery, late in pregnancy or to avoid blood transfusion) or if you have chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure.

Iron Infusion

At an Iron Infusion appointment the iron is given through a needle and dripped (‘infused’) into your vein. Sometimes 2 iron infusions (given at least 1 week apart) are needed to fully top-up iron stores.

The infusion is made up of iron, not blood.

If you have iron deficiency (either with or without anaemia) and think you might benefit from an Iron Infusion please make an appointment to discuss further with your GP.