This information is about having iron treatment given by a drip into a vein (an intravenous infusion). This should help you understand the treatment and the possible benefits and risks.

About iron

Iron is important in red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen around the body. 

Not enough iron can lead to fewer red blood cells being produced. This is called ‘iron deficiency anaemia’ (IDA). This can make you feel tired, dizzy, irritable, unable to sleep, and lead to dry skin or hair loss.

The cause of this anaemia is often a combination of lots of things. It could be linked to:

  • not eating enough iron 
  • not absorbing iron from the diet (malabsorption)
  • bleeding
  • an increase in how much iron your body needs. 

Why we offer an iron infusion

Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Treatment aims to refill the body’s iron stores.

We are recommending giving you iron via an infusion (by a drip into a vein). This is instead of iron tablets or syrup because:

  • you have tried iron tablets or syrups but they are not working or have caused side effects
  • or you have a medical condition where you cannot take tablets.

Consent

We will be happy to discuss treatment options with you at any time.

You must understand the risks and benefits of having an iron infusion before agreeing to the treatment. It is important that you ask any questions beforehand. 

Side effects

Iron infusion is usually very safe. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

Your doctor will discuss all possible side effects with you before starting treatment. 

Allergic reaction

There is a low risk of a severe allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • breathing difficulty
  • dizziness 
  • swelling in the mouth. 

Your doctor or nurse will monitor you closely to make sure your body is responding well to the treatment. Tell them immediately if you start to feel unwell during treatment.

Skin staining

There is a risk that iron can cause a brown stain to your skin. This may be permanent. The staining can happen:

  • around the injection site - this can happen during or immediately after the infusion 
  • in other parts of the body - this may happen days or weeks later.

If you notice any skin staining, tell your doctor or nurse if you are still in hospital. If you have been discharged, ask your GP for advice.

Other side effects

Tell the person giving you the infusion immediately:

  • if the area around the injection starts to feel uncomfortable, swollen or painful 
  • if you notice leaking around the injection site.

The infusion will be stopped immediately.

A few days after treatment, you might experience:

  • headache
  • mild fever 
  • joint pain.

These symptoms usually get better on their own. If these symptoms do not settle, tell your doctor or nurse if you are still in hospital. If you have been discharged, tell your GP.

Who should not have an iron infusion

You should not have an iron infusion:

  • if you are allergic to any iron given by a drip
  • if you have too much iron in your body (iron overload)
  • if your anaemia is not caused by iron deficiency
  • if you have liver damage.

Tell your doctor or nurse before having the infusion: 

  • if you have any other illnesses
  • if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How IV iron is given

The iron solution is a brown liquid. It contains 'ferric derisomaltose'. It is given as a drip through a vein.

Your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be taken before and after treatment. A thin plastic tube (‘cannula’) will then be inserted into your vein. 

The bag of solution is connected to your cannula. The solution then drips into your vein over 30 to 60 minutes. You will be closely monitored during the infusion and for 30 to 45 minutes afterwards. This is in case you develop any side effects.

Do not take iron tablets or syrup

If you are taking iron by mouth (as tablets or syrup), you should stop these 24 to 48 hours before the infusion. This is because the infusion reduces how much iron you can absorb by mouth. 

Do not start any iron tablets or syrups for at least 5 days following the last infusion.

What happens after the treatment

Usually, we will take a new blood sample some weeks or months after the treatment. This is to see if your body’s iron stores are fully corrected. 

Depending on your weight and how low your iron is, you may only need one treatment to restore your body’s iron stores. You may need further treatments if you have ongoing issues that affect your iron levels.

Who to contact

If you feel unwell or need to speak to anyone about your iron infusion:

  • if you are still in hospital, tell your doctor or nurse
  • if you have been discharged, contact your GP or call 111.

If you suddenly feel very unwell at home (for example, you have difficulty breathing or your mouth is swollen), call 999.

Contact information

Transfusion Nurse

Email: khft.transfusion@nhs.net