Table of Contents
- Summary
- What is Iron?
- What is IV Iron?
- Who Should Be Treated with IV Iron?
- What Are the Side Effects of Using IV Iron?
- How Do I Get My Supply of IV Iron?
- Will I Need to Pay for My IV Iron?
- Timeline of IV Infusion Steps
- What Should I Expect at the IV Infusion Appointment?
- What Happens Immediately After the Appointment?
- Taking Steps Towards Better Overall Health
Summary:
- Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells. Low iron can cause iron deficiency anemia, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
- IV iron is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an infusion, offering a quick way to boost iron levels, especially for those unable to tolerate oral iron.
- IV iron is recommended for individuals with severe anemia, difficulty absorbing oral iron, side effects from oral supplements, or those preparing for surgery or childbirth.
- Most people tolerate IV iron well, with mild side effects like headaches or muscle pain. Depending on the plan, costs are generally covered by insurance, and IV iron is obtained via prescription from a pharmacy.
Iron is a vital mineral that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are low, hemoglobin production decreases, leading to iron deficiency anemia—a condition that can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
For those who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements or have severe deficiency, an intravenous (IV) iron infusion offers an effective, rapid solution. Delivered directly into the bloodstream, IV iron provides an efficient way to restore iron levels, with minimal preparation required and typically few side effects.
What is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral needed for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient iron, hemoglobin levels drop, leading to reduced oxygen delivery and various symptoms. This condition is known as iron deficiency anemia and can be harmful, especially during pregnancy.
What is IV Iron?
An intravenous (IV) iron infusion delivers iron directly into the bloodstream through a small tube inserted into a vein in your arm, providing a quick and efficient way to boost iron levels.
Who Should Be Treated with IV Iron?
IV iron is a treatment option for iron deficiency, especially if you experience side effects from oral iron, have trouble absorbing it, have severe anemia, are preparing for surgery, or are nearing childbirth during pregnancy.
Notify your doctor and the infusion centre if you:
- Are in the first trimester of pregnancy
- Have had a reaction to any type of iron injection/infusion in the past
- Are on medications they may not be aware of
- Have liver disease or abnormal liver function test results
- Have any new or ongoing infections
What Are the Side Effects of Using IV Iron?
Most patients tolerate IV iron well, with minimal risk. Side effects, if they occur, usually begin one to two days after infusion and are typically mild, resolving on their own without treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Muscle or joint pain
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Changes in taste (e.g. metallic)
- Changes in blood pressure or pulse
- Irritation at the site of injection
Serious allergic reactions are rare.
How Do I Get My Supply of IV Iron?
After speaking with your doctor, visit a local pharmacy with your IV iron prescription. Your doctor may order more than one infusion, depending on your iron needs.
Will I Need to Pay for My IV Iron?
IV iron treatment typically involves a cost, but many insurance plans may subsidize or cover it depending on your individual plan. If you qualify for the Trillium Drug Program, Venofer® or Monoferric® may be covered. Consult your doctor to determine eligibility.
Timeline of IV Infusion Steps
You have been recommended IV iron by your doctor. The following are the steps you can expect to take up until your appointment and beyond.
Step One: A prescription will be given to you or faxed to your pharmacy.
Step Two: Schedule an IV infusion appointment at the hospital or local infusion centre (your doctor’s office may do this for you).
Step Three: Pick up your IV iron from the pharmacy.
Step Four: Bring your IV iron with you to the appointment. The infusion process will take between 1-3 hours.
Step Five: Monitor for symptoms.
What Should I Expect at the IV Infusion Appointment?
No special preparation is needed for your iron infusion day—fasting is not required. Simply bring your IV iron to the hospital or infusion center, where an IV will be started for the infusion. You can skip your oral iron pills that day, though taking them won’t cause any harm.
- If you receive Venofer®, the infusion process will take around 2-3 hours
- If you receive Monoferric®, the infusion process will take around 1-2 hours
What Happens Immediately After the Appointment?
After your infusion, you’ll be monitored for about 30 minutes to ensure no reactions occur. If all is well, you can drive yourself home and return to normal activities. You may pause oral iron supplements for a few weeks after your IV infusion.
Taking Steps Towards Better Overall Health
IV iron infusion offers an effective solution for individuals with iron deficiency who may not respond well to oral supplements. This process quickly replenishes iron levels, supporting hemoglobin function and helping to alleviate symptoms of anemia. With minimal preparation required, IV iron infusions are convenient and well-tolerated, with few side effects for most patients.
Consult your doctor to determine if IV iron is right for you, and enjoy the benefits of improved iron levels and better health.
