Patient Information for IV iron
Intravenous iron is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is an essential element required for the oxygen-carrying red blood cells and muscle tissue. A lack of Iron can make us feel tired and short of breath, and can cause poor concentration and a general lack of energy.
IV iron is used for the treatment of patients when oral iron preparations are ineffective or cannot be used.
The aim of the therapy is to replenish body iron stores and to remedy iron deficiency anaemia. Before administration, your doctor or IV nurse will perform a blood test and measure your weight to determine the dose of Iron you require. You may require two appointments for IV iron.
Before you are given IV iron
You must not receive IV Iron if:
- you are known to be allergic to any iron component
- you have iron overload (too much iron in your body) or disturbances in utilisation of iron
- you are under 18 years of age
- your anaemia is not caused by iron deficiency
- you have a current infection
Cautions
Tell your doctor and IV nurse if you have an infection, asthma, eczema, allergies, an immune or inflammatory condition (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis) or liver disorders.
Before receiving treatment
Have your usual meals on the day, make sure you are well hydrated. Take your usual medication but stop any oral iron tablets the day before your appointment. Wear loose clothing and bring a book, drink and snacks with you if needed.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant and ask him/her for advice before you are given any medicine.
Breastfeeding
Ask your doctor for advice before you are given IV iron. It is unlikely that IV iron represents a risk to the nursing child.
Driving and using machines
IV iron is unlikely to impair the ability to drive or operate machines.
Following your IV iron Infusion:
- you will be required to wait for 30 minutes in clinic following completion of your iron infusion
- please discuss with your GP when or if you should restart your oral iron tablets. Your referrer should recheck your bloods and iron stores a few weeks after treatment
- side effects are extremely rare once you are home, but if you feel unwell then please contact your GP, 111 or 999 (if you require emergency help)
Important information about some of the ingredients of IV iron
Like all medicines, IV iron can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following symptoms are common:
- hypophosphataemia (low phosphate levels in the blood)
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- flushing
- high blood pressure
- injection site reactions
Some patients may experience achy joints or limbs or sometimes fever in the days following an IV infusion. Although uncomfortable, these effects usually settle after a few days.
For all IV iron treatments administered into your vein there is a low risk that you may experience an acute hypersensitivity. Staff are appropriately trained to deal and manage with any side effects.
The following symptoms are uncommon:
- tachycardia
- dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
- paraesthesia (sensation of tingling, burning, pricking, or numbness of the skin)
- low blood pressure
- taste disturbance
- vomiting
- constipation and/or diarrhoea
- itchiness
- hives (urticaria)
- muscle/back/joint pain
- fever or chills
- chest pain
- tiredness
- peripheral oedema (swelling in the arms and legs due to excess fluid)
- paravenous leakage (this may lead to irritation of the skin and long-lasting brown discoloration of the skin at the injection site)
If you are concerned about any of these, you should discuss this with your doctor or IV nurse. It is important that you inform the nurse or doctor of any side effects that you have experienced before your next appointment.
How will my IV iron be administered?
Iron can be administered intravenously (IV), via a cannula into a vein by either IV injection (undiluted) or by IV drip infusion. It will appear as a brown solution, may be diluted with sodium chloride solution, and will be given over 15-60 minutes, depending on the dose prescribed.
Your doctor or nurse will take responsibility for determining the appropriate dose and choosing the route, frequency and duration of your treatment.
If you need any further information, please contact your GP or the IV therapy team.
How to contact the Community IV Therapy Team
Advice Line: 0300 421 8195 (Monday to Sunday, 8.30am to 4.30pm). If you require nursing assistance outside of these hours please contact: 0300 421 0555.
Email: ivtherapyteam@ghc.nhs.uk (non-urgent messages)
