Iron deficiency is a common health concern that affects many people, particularly women of childbearing age and those with certain medical conditions.
One treatment option for iron deficiency is an iron infusion, which involves administering iron directly into a patient’s bloodstream. But what exactly is an iron infusion, how does it work, and what can you expect during the procedure?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of iron infusions, including their benefits, risks, and how to prepare for the procedure. Whether you’re considering an iron infusion for yourself or want to learn more about this treatment option, read on to discover everything you need about iron infusions.
What Are The Types Of Iron Infusions?
There are four significant iron infusions, which are different forms of iron that are given intravenously to treat iron deficiency anemia. They are
Iron Sucrose
This type of iron infusion is also known as Venofer or CosmoFer. It is given multiple doses over several weeks, usually 100 to 300 mg per dose. It is suitable for patients with chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Iron sucrose has a low risk of allergic reactions and side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, or low blood pressure.
Iron Dextran
This type of iron infusion is also known as Infed or Dexferrum. It is given in one or two large doses, usually 500 to 1000 mg per dose. It is suitable for patients who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements like folic acid or other iron infusions. However, it comes with lesser side effects than folic acid.
It has a higher risk of allergic reactions and side effects, such as anaphylaxis, chest pain, fever, or joint pain. Therefore, it requires a test dose before the infusion and close monitoring during and after the infusion.
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Sodium Ferric Gluconate
This type of iron infusion is also known as Ferrlecit or Nulecit. It is given multiple doses over several weeks, usually 62.5 to 125 mg per dose. It is suitable for patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. It has a low risk of allergic reactions and side effects, such as flushing, cramps, or dizziness.
Ferumoxytol
This type of iron infusion is also known as Feraheme or Rienso. It is given in one or two doses, usually 510 to 1020 mg per dose. It is suitable for patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis. It has a higher risk of allergic reactions and side effects, such as hypotension, rash, or swelling. Therefore, it requires close monitoring during and after the infusion.
4 Iron Infusion Benefits
Some of the benefits of iron infusion are:
Treat Anemia
Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and chest pain. Iron infusion can help combat anemia by restoring healthy levels of iron to the system, which is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron infusion can improve the hemoglobin levels, iron stores, and quality of life of patients with anemia.
Increase Iron Levels Quickly
Iron infusion is a more immediate treatment than oral iron supplements or dietary changes, which can take weeks or months to show results. Iron infusion can quickly deliver a large dose of iron into the bloodstream, usually in one or two sessions. This can be very helpful in situations where anemia is severe or oral iron supplements are ineffective or tolerated well.
Enhance Energy and Ease Breathing
One of the physical benefits of iron infusion is that it can increase energy and reduce the breathing of patients with anemia. Iron infusion can improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, enhancing the body’s metabolism and function. Iron infusion can also reduce the strain on the heart and lungs, improving the cardiovascular health and the exercise capacity of patients with anemia.
Prevent or Treat Complications of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause or worsen some medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, restless legs syndrome, or pregnancy complications. Iron infusion can prevent or treat these complications by correcting iron deficiency and improving blood flow and organ function. Iron infusion can also reduce the need for blood transfusions, which can carry some risks, such as infections or allergic reactions.
What Iron Level Requires Iron Infusion
The iron level that requires iron infusion depends on the cause and the severity of the iron deficiency anemia, as well as the patient’s medical condition and tolerance. However, some general guidelines are:
Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease
Non-dialysis chronic kidney disease may need iron infusion if the serum ferritin level is less than 100 ng/mL. The iron infusion may be recommended if the serum ferritin level is between 100 and 300 ng/mL and the TSAT level is less than 20 percent.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, if the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL or the serum ferritin level is less than 30 ng/mL with a TSAT level of less than 20 percent.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
An iron infusion may be recommended if the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL or the serum ferritin level is less than 15 ng/mL. Doctors may recommend an iron infusion if the serum ferritin level is between 15 and 50 ng/mL and the TSAT level is less than 16 percent.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women may need iron infusion when their hemoglobin level is less than 10.5 g/dL or the serum ferritin level is less than 15 ng/mL. An iron infusion may also be recommended if the serum ferritin level is between 15 and 30 ng/mL with a TSAT level of less than 16 percent.
Iron Infusion vs. Oral Supplements
| Iron infusion | Oral supplements |
| A way to increase the body’s iron levels quickly by delivering a large dose of iron directly into the bloodstream through a needle | Pills or capsules that contain iron that can be taken by mouth |
| A more immediate and effective treatment than oral supplements or dietary changes, especially in situations where anemia is severe, or where oral supplements are not effective or tolerated well | A simple and cheap way to increase the body’s iron levels gradually |
| Can prevent or treat some complications of iron deficiency, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, or pregnancy complications | Can be effective in mild to moderate cases of iron deficiency anemia or as a maintenance therapy after iron infusion |
| Requires more clinical supervision and monitoring | Requires less clinical supervision and monitoring |
| Can cause some side effects and complications, such as allergic reactions, infections, iron overload, or organ damage | Can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain |
| More expensive and less accessible than oral supplements | Less expensive and more accessible than iron infusion |
Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between iron infusion and oral supplements depends on several factors, such as
- The cause and the severity of the iron deficiency anemia,
- The patient’s medical condition and tolerance,
- The availability and the cost of the treatment, and
- The doctor’s recommendation.
The best option for each patient depends on their situation and preference. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s blood tests, symptoms, and response to treatment and will advise the most suitable option for them.
As a patient, you must follow the instructions and report any symptoms or concerns during the treatment. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor iron and hemoglobin levels and adjust the treatment if needed.
How To Boost Your Iron Levels Naturally After An Iron Infusion?
You can boost your iron levels naturally after an iron infusion by following the ways:
- Eating iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, or fortified cereals. You can also use cast iron cookware to increase the iron content of your food.
- Consuming fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwis, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, or cabbage. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron more efficiently, so pair vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods.
- Avoid foods and beverages that can interfere with iron absorption, such as tea, coffee, dairy products, calcium supplements, antacids, or fiber supplements. You should wait at least an hour after eating iron-rich foods before consuming these items.
- Taking oral iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor. Iron infusion can increase your iron levels quickly, but you may still need oral iron supplements to maintain your iron levels and prevent the recurrence of anemia. Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not take more than the recommended dose of iron supplements.
- Having regular blood tests to monitor your iron levels and hemoglobin levels. Your doctor will check your blood tests after the iron infusion to see how well you responded to the treatment and to adjust your iron dosage if needed. You should also have periodic blood tests to ensure your iron levels are within the normal range and detect any signs of iron overload or organ damage.
Conclusion
The appropriate type, amount, and frequency of iron infusions are determined for each patient based on the severity of the iron deficiency and the ability to tolerate the treatment. Iron infusions can improve the hemoglobin levels, the iron stores, and the quality of life of patients with iron deficiency anemia.
However, they can also cause complications, such as infections, iron overload, or organ damage. Therefore, following the doctor’s instructions and reporting any symptoms or concerns after the infusion is essential.
Check our IV therapy section to choose the best treatment and supplementation option.
