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Importance of Iron
Iron is used to make haemoglobin - the part of our red blood cells that carries oxygen around our body and is essential for energy, muscle strength, and mental function.
If your Iron levels are low, you may feel tired, lethargic, unable to complete simple tasks, or unable to conduct everyday activities.
Iron can be lost with blood loss, menstruation cycle in women, pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding, chronic disease – stomach or bowel cancers, not eating enough iron rich foods (vegetarian / vegan diet), inflammatory bowel disease, also if infected with parasites, and possibly when taking some medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications).
There are many reasons why someone may be lacking in Iron.
Treatments for Low Iron
The most common and easiest way is to take Iron supplements by mouth (tablet or liquid).
This is usually the first line of treatment and is often all that is required.
However, for some people who may not be able to tolerate or take the oral iron supplements, or who do not respond, who are unable to absorb the oral Iron supplements or who may need an immediate increase in Iron levels (especially during pregnancy or post-partum delivery), they may be prescribed an intravenous (IV) infusion of Iron, known as a Ferinject/Monofer Iron Infusion.
Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) Infusion via Intravenous (IV) Therapy
An Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) Infusion is prescribed by your treating doctor.
A script for Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) will be given to you.
Intravenous Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) is diluted with Normal Saline and given as in infusion (IV drip) directly into the venous blood circulation of the body using a cannula (needle) into your vein.
The amount of Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) required and given is calculated using your weight, current haemoglobin and optimal haemoglobin levels.
Blood pathology for your haemoglobin levels and blood chemistry should be requested and taken at the same time as checking for your Iron levels.
Possible SIDE EFFECTS (S/E's) of IRON (Ferinject/Monofer) Infusion
When side effects occur, they are usually temporary, mild and settle down quickly without treatment or intervention.
Side effects may be immediate, apparent during the infusion, occur while waiting post the infusion or may occur over the next day or two, and up to a week.
If you have had a previous Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) Infusion and you did or if you did not have any S/E's, this does not guarantee the same or similar S/E's or reactions during or after subsequent Iron (Ferinject/Monofer) Infusion’s.
Side effects are common and can not be discounted.
The most common Side Effects (S/E’s) are:
- Headache, feeling sick, nauseas, or vomiting
- Muscle/ joint pain
- Anxiety, chest discomfort
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Unable to cannulate (not able to find a vein)
- Permanent staining of the surrounding area of skin near the IV access site is a known adverse event. Please ensure all possible risks and S/E's are discuss with your doctor.
** Please advise if you have experienced difficulties with blood taking, IV issues, phobias or if fainting or feeling sick when previous pathology / blood tests or IV insertions have occurred.
When you book an appointment for Iron replacement therapy, an Iron infusion information document and consent form will be sent (and need to be signed) prior to your infusion.
Please contact via this website or MPH if you have any questions or concerns regarding the iron replacement therapy.
On the day of your Iron replacement therapy
It is recommended (if possible) that you eat and drink normally prior to your infusion.
Fasting is not required and can cause difficulties with the cannulation of your vein and dehydration makes finding a good vein more difficult.
Wear comfortable clothes, with easy access to arms and elbows.
Please ensure you bring your iron script or your Iron Ferinject vials to your appointment.
The iron infusion will possibly take an hour and you will then need to wait up to 30 minutes to ensure any possible S/E’s are detected and treated (if required).
Sometimes it is quicker than this, however it is better to plan for longer.
Bring something to occupy your time. (book, phone, laptop, magazine).
You will be able to drive home and resume normal activities, however it is strongly suggested that you plan to take it easy for the remainder of the day.
After your Iron replacement therapy
There are minimal limitations after your Iron infusion.
The IVT arm (where the cannula was) can potentially bruise or bleed.
Rest this arm, avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for at least the next few hours if possible.
You are encouraged to increase your hydration levels; increasing water intake of up to 2 litres for the next 2-3 days. This will help the kidneys to cope with the extra iron intake within your blood circulation and potentially reduce the side effect risk of a headache.
As stated above, it is advised to rest if possible to optimise your iron replacement therapy.
** Ferinject/Monofer Script and blood test is required for the replacement of iron via an IV infusion.
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