Feeling Tired? Iron Infusion Could Be Your Answer

An iron infusion is a procedure for externally administering a dose of iron to the body. It can raise iron levels quickly and may treat very severe cases of anemia.

Iron infusion is a treatment in which iron is delivered to your body externally, meaning into a vein using a needle. This is also called an intravenous (IV) infusion.

We might ask for an iron infusion to deal with severe iron deficiency anemia. In most cases iron deficiency anemia is treated through dietary changes and iron supplement medications. In some cases, though, doctors may suggest iron infusions instead.

You might need an IV infusion if you:

• can’t take iron orally
• can’t absorb iron properly through the gut
• can’t absorb the required iron due to blood loss
• need to boost iron levels fast to prevent medical complications or a blood transfusion

How to prepare for an iron infusion

A doctor will give you particular instructions for readying for your first iron infusion treatment. A few things you can do to get ready on the day of your infusion include:

• Eating breakfast and lunch because there is no need to fast for an iron infusion
• Having regular medications
• Being ready to have a small IV drip put in the arm or hand

You may feel jittery about your iron infusion. It can help reduce anxiety levels if you discuss the procedure with your doctor first. They can recommend ways to help you remain comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. At Mainstreet, we make it a point that this should be a process that is as comfortable as possible.

Tips for comfort

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting stuff.
• Have drinking water in reach.
• Music.
• Watch a movie or TV show on your tablet or smartphone.

What happens during an iron infusion?

The doctor use a needle to insert a small tube into the vein. This tiny tube is known as a catheter. It’s normally put into a vein in the arm or hand. Then, our team will remove the needle, leaving the catheter in the vein.

The catheter is connected to a long tube. This is connected to an IV bag of iron. The iron has been watered down with a saline solution. This solution is then pumped into your vein.

You might feel a slight pinch in the skin where the IV needle is inserted. There might also be some pressure at the insertion site during the procedure.

The doctor performing this will give you a test dose first to be sure you don’t have any unforeseen reactions from the iron.

How long does an iron infusion last for?

An iron infusion can take a few hours. You should expect to be seated for this time. In some cases, the infusion might take a little longer, depending on the degree of treatment the doctor thinks your body needs.

If it’s your first iron infusion, a nurse might need to administer a smaller test dose to see how you handle the infusion. Then, they may administer the infusion to help prevent complications.

It often takes many iron infusions to bring the body’s iron levels at the appropriate levels. You can receive infusions over one or a few weeks for your treatments. Iron infusions need time and can be more expensive than other kinds of anemia treatments.

What are the potential side effects of an iron infusion?

Following the infusion, patients can return to your regular activities straight away. Most people can drive home on their own. If you feel up to it, you can go to work after the infusion.

You may have some side effects straight after the procedure. Most of them are mild.

A rare but serious side effect of iron infusions is iron toxicity. The symptoms of iron toxicity might come on quickly, which can cause anaphylactic shock. Also, they may come on slowly over time. Iron toxicity that builds over time leads to too an excess levels of iron in the body’s tissues.

Healthcare professionals use a test dose and gradual infusion rate to prevent this complication. The test dose is also critical if you have a history of several drug allergies. The doctor will administer a test dose to monitor you for any reactions.

Can you get iron infusions during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, your need for iron grows as the fetus develops. As the fetus absorbs iron from what you have, iron levels may drop, causing anemia. For that reason, doctors, at times, order iron infusions for pregnant people.

What are the benefits of iron infusion?

An iron infusion helps raise the body’s iron levels more quickly than supplements or lifestyle changes. This can be helpful in cases where anemia is severe.

The physical benefits of an iron infusion include an increase in energy and easier breathing.

You should start feeling these upsides a few weeks after your final infusion treatment. How long these benefits remain depends on the cause of the iron deficiency anemia and whether or not you’re going for any other treatment to increase your iron levels.

Frequently asked questions

How much time does it take to recover from iron infusion?

You usually do not need to recover from an iron infusion. When the infusion is complete, patients can return to their daily routine.

What does an iron infusion do to the human body?

An iron infusion raises the level of iron in your bloodstream. We might recommend several infusions, depending on the iron levels and the reason behind your iron deficiency.

Conclusion

At Main Street we normally recommend iron infusions using an IV in cases of chronic iron-deficiency anemia. You might need a few sessions to improve the iron levels.

You can typically return to your daily routine when the infusion is complete. However, it may take multiple sessions to see the benefits.