Iron Infusions
Iron is important for the body to make haemoglobin, a pigment that gives red blood cells its colour.
When Iron levels drop below its normal level, it is known as "iron deficiency anemia".
To treat this, Iron is injected into the bloodstream through a vein, which is known as an Intravenous method.
Iron Infusion is sometimes needed when you are:
- Unable to tolerate Iron taken by the mouth (pills or liquids)
- Unable to absorb Iron through the gut
- Unable to absorb enough Iron due to the amount of blood the body is losing
- In need of rapid increase in Iron levels to help avoid important complications
- Not responding to Iron tablets (such as due to chronic health problems)
- Have chronic kidney or heart failure
What happens on the day?
A needle is placed into a vein (typically in the back of the hand or arm) and a mixture of iron and saline is slowly "dripped" (infused) into the vein and flows with the blood in your body. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Generally, most people do not experience any side effects as they are uncommon. However, when they do, they are typically mild such as nausea, headache, stomachache and dizziness.
Brown discolouration on skin is a potential side effect that can be long lasting or permanent. Speak to your practitioners regarding other side effects that might occur.
Please note that prior to having an Iron Infusion, you must have a valid practitioner or specialist referral, a prescription, and a recent blood result.
Book a consult with our practitioners if you do not have any of these.