Do I Need an Iron Infusion?

Feeling unusually tired, weak or unable to concentrate can make you wonder whether low iron is to blame – and whether an iron infusion could help.

Iron infusions can be an effective way to replenish iron stores, but not everyone with tiredness or even low iron needs an infusion. The first step is working out whether you are iron deficient, why your iron levels are low and which treatment is most appropriate for you.

At South Steyne Medical Centre, your GP can assess your symptoms, review appropriate blood tests and discuss whether oral iron or an iron infusion may be suitable for your circumstances.

What is iron deficiency?

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to produce haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.

When your iron stores become low, you may develop iron deficiency. If the deficiency progresses to the point that your haemoglobin also falls below the normal range, this is known as iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are related, but they are not exactly the same thing. This is one reason blood tests and medical assessment are important before deciding on treatment.

What are the signs that my iron might be low?

Symptoms of iron deficiency can vary considerably between people. Some people have few noticeable symptoms, while others may find that low iron affects their day-to-day activities.

Possible symptoms can include:

• Persistent tiredness or low energy
• Weakness
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
• Reduced ability to exercise or complete normal activities
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headaches

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have iron deficiency. Fatigue and similar symptoms can have many possible causes, so it is important not to diagnose iron deficiency based on symptoms alone. Healthdirect recommends speaking with your doctor if unusual tiredness, poor concentration or reduced ability to perform normal activities is concerning you.

How do I know if I need an iron infusion?

An iron infusion would generally only be considered after your iron status and overall clinical circumstances have been assessed.

Your GP may arrange blood tests such as a full blood count and tests of your iron stores. Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, other investigations may also be required to understand why your iron is low.

For many people with iron deficiency anaemia, oral iron tablets or liquid are initially used to replace iron. An intravenous iron infusion may instead be considered when oral treatment is unsuitable, ineffective or when iron needs to be replenished more rapidly.

Your doctor may consider an iron infusion if:

Oral iron has not worked

If you have taken oral iron appropriately but your iron levels are not improving sufficiently, your doctor may consider whether intravenous iron is appropriate.

You cannot tolerate oral iron

Iron tablets can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people, including nausea, constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort. If these effects make oral treatment difficult to continue, your GP can discuss other options.

You are not absorbing iron effectively

Certain gastrointestinal conditions can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb oral iron. In these circumstances, delivering iron directly into the bloodstream may be considered.

Your iron needs to be replaced more quickly

There are situations where a doctor may determine that iron stores need to be replenished more rapidly, such as before some non-deferrable surgery or in particular clinical circumstances.

There is ongoing iron loss

In some patients, ongoing blood loss can exceed the amount of iron the body is able to absorb through oral treatment. The underlying reason for the blood loss still needs appropriate investigation and management.

Why is finding the cause of low iron important?

Treating low iron is only part of the picture.

Iron deficiency can occur for many reasons. These can include blood loss, increased iron requirements, dietary factors or difficulty absorbing iron.

For example, iron deficiency anaemia is more common in people experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, during pregnancy and in people with some chronic medical or gastrointestinal conditions.

Rather than simply replacing iron repeatedly, your doctor may recommend further investigation to understand why your iron stores have become depleted.

Do low iron levels automatically mean I need an infusion?

No.

Having a low iron result does not automatically mean an intravenous iron infusion is the right treatment.

For many patients, oral iron remains an appropriate first-line treatment. Your doctor will consider factors such as your blood-test results, symptoms, medical history, previous response to oral iron, ability to tolerate treatment and the reason for your iron deficiency.

This is why it is useful to discuss your results with your GP rather than deciding on an infusion based on a single laboratory result.

What happens during an iron infusion?

During an intravenous iron infusion, iron is delivered into your bloodstream through a cannula placed into a vein, usually in your hand or arm.

Your clinical team will check you during the procedure and monitor for any reaction. The exact duration of the infusion and your overall appointment will depend on the iron preparation, prescribed dose and clinic protocol.

You will generally also need follow-up after treatment to assess your response and determine whether your iron levels have improved.

Are there risks or side effects?

Iron infusions are commonly performed medical procedures, but, like all treatments, they can cause side effects.

These can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Muscle or joint discomfort
• Changes in blood pressure or pulse
• A metallic taste

Allergic reactions can occur and severe reactions are uncommon. Another uncommon complication is skin staining if iron leaks from the vein into surrounding tissue.

Low phosphate levels can also occur following some intravenous iron treatments and may occasionally cause symptoms such as ongoing tiredness, muscle weakness or bone pain.

Your doctor can discuss the potential benefits and risks as they relate to you before treatment.

Can I have an iron infusion during pregnancy?

Iron deficiency is relatively common during pregnancy, but treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy, severity of the deficiency and your individual circumstances.

Intravenous iron is generally avoided during the first trimester, so it is particularly important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Your GP, obstetrician or maternity care team can advise you on appropriate treatment.

So, do I need an iron infusion?

If you are wondering whether you need an iron infusion, the best place to start is not the infusion itself – it is finding out whether you are iron deficient and why.

An iron infusion may be considered if:

• Blood tests confirm that iron replacement is required
• Oral iron is unsuitable or poorly tolerated
• Oral treatment has not adequately corrected the deficiency
• You have difficulty absorbing oral iron
• Your doctor believes iron needs to be replenished more rapidly

The decision should be made with your doctor after considering your symptoms, blood results, medical history and the underlying cause of your iron deficiency.

Iron Infusions in Manly

South Steyne Medical Centre provides an Iron Infusion Clinic in Manly, conveniently located directly opposite Manly Beach.

If you have been told that your iron is low, have had difficulty taking oral iron, or would like to discuss whether an infusion may be appropriate, you can book an appointment with a GP at South Steyne Medical Centre.

Learn more about our Iron Infusion Clinic in Manly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an iron infusion without having a blood test?
An iron infusion should be based on an appropriate medical assessment. Your GP will generally need relevant blood-test results and clinical information before recommending intravenous iron.

Is an iron infusion better than iron tablets?
Not necessarily. Oral iron is appropriate for many patients and is commonly used as a first treatment. Intravenous iron has particular advantages when oral iron cannot be tolerated, is not adequately absorbed or has not been effective, or where faster replacement is clinically necessary.

How quickly will I feel better after an iron infusion?
Response varies between individuals and depends on the extent of the iron deficiency, whether anaemia is present and whether other factors are contributing to your symptoms. Follow-up blood tests may be recommended to assess your response.

Can an iron infusion fix fatigue?
An iron infusion treats iron deficiency; it is not a general treatment for tiredness. If your fatigue has another cause, replacing iron may not resolve it. Your GP can help investigate persistent fatigue.

Do I need more than one iron infusion?
Some patients may require more than one infusion depending on their iron deficit, treatment used and response. Your treating doctor will advise you based on your individual circumstances.

Medical disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Speak with your doctor about your symptoms, test results and whether iron replacement is appropriate for you.