Iron Infusions

What is an iron infusion?

Iron infusions may be indicated in patients with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia. An iron infusion involves delivering iron directly into your bloodstream through an IV line (a drip).

Before an infusion, your GP will need to see you for a consultation to review your medical history and arrange a blood test to confirm whether an iron infusion is appropriate for you. There are many benefits and some risks associated with an iron infusion, so it's important these are discussed thoroughly with your GP first.

At Next Practice Braddon, iron infusions are performed under the supervision of your GP in our dedicated treatment room. A small cannula is inserted into your arm, and the iron is delivered through an IV line over 15 minutes to an hour.

How to Prepare for an Iron Infusion

If your doctor has recommended an iron infusion, this page explains what to expect and how to prepare. Iron infusions are a safe, well-established treatment for low iron, and most people feel well throughout.

Before your appointment

A few simple steps to get ready:

• See your GP first for a pre-infusion consultation. Your GP can discuss if an iron infusion is the right treatment for you and answer any questions. You may be given a blood test referral to check your baseline iron levels.
• If you have been referred for an iron infusion, you will be given a prescription for the medication to be used during the infusion. Please make sure you fill out the prescription and bring the iron with you to the infusion appointment.
• Stop iron tablets about a week before your infusion as they aren't well absorbed around the time of the infusion.
• Eat normally. You don't need to fast for the procedure. Please have your usual breakfast or lunch before the infusion.
• Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your appointment. Being well-hydrated makes the drip easier to insert.
• Take your regular medications as usual, unless advised by your GP.
• Wear something with short or loose sleeves so there is easy access to your arm for the drip to be inserted.
• Allow about 60–90 minutes for the infusion appointment in total.

Let your doctor know before your appointment if you:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
• Have asthma, eczema or other allergies
• Have had a previous reaction to an iron injection or infusion
• Have a history of high iron levels (haemochromatosis) or liver problems
• Are feeling unwell or have an infection

On the day

• After check-in, a nurse will record your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate before the procedure.
• A drip (IV cannula) will be inserted in your arm by your treating GP or qualified nurse.
• The infusion runs slowly over about 15–45minutes while a nurse monitors you closely under your GP’s supervision.
• After the procedure, you will be observed for another 30 minutes to make sure you are feeling fine.
• If you feel well, and experience no side effects, you can drive yourself home and return to your usual activities, unless we advise otherwise.

After your infusion

• If you experience any side effects, please notify your GP or our practice nurse. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, flushing, nausea, a metallic taste, or some muscle and joint pain, which may appear in the first day or two, and settle on their own.
• Take it easy with strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting for the first 48 hours.
• You will need to have a follow-up blood test usually around 4-6 weeks after the iron infusion. This is to check whether the iron infusion had been effective or not. Your GP can give you a new blood test referral during your iron infusion appointment.
• Wait until your GP advises before restarting iron tablets, which is usually at least a week after the infusion.

Please contact us immediately if

• You have ongoing discomfort or any redness, swelling or a brown mark at the drip site.
• Side effects are worrying you or stopping you from doing your usual activities

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department for

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Severe dizziness or fainting

These reactions are rare, but we always want you to feel confident about when to ask for help.

This page is general information for our patients and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak with your GP about your individual circumstances before, during and after treatment.