This topic will help you learn about intravenous iron injections and how to prepare for them.
What is an intravenous iron injection?
The human body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein carried within red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also essential for maintaining muscle strength, energy, and mental function. Low iron levels in the body can lead to fatigue and an inability to perform daily activities. The most common way to treat iron deficiency is by taking iron orally, either as tablets or syrup. This method works for most people and is usually tried first before considering intravenous iron injections. In this procedure, iron is injected into a vein through a needle over several appointments scheduled by the specialist doctor, in order to fully restore the body’s iron stores.
When is an intravenous iron injection performed?
The need for an intravenous iron injection arises in the following cases:
- Inability of the person to take iron as tablets or syrup.
- When the body does not absorb iron tablets or syrup, or does not respond to them.
- When there is a need to quickly increase iron levels in the body (for example, before surgery or in the late stages of pregnancy).
- In cases of chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure.
Your doctor should explain why you need an intravenous iron injection and what the other options are.
Which groups are most at risk of iron deficiency anemia?
These groups of people may be more at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia:
- Women: because women lose blood during menstruation, they generally have a higher need for iron.
- Infants and children, especially those who had low birth weight or were born prematurely, and those who do not get enough iron from breast milk or formula, they may need additional iron during growth spurts, if they do not follow a healthy and varied diet.
- Vegetarians: people who do not eat meat may have a higher need for iron if they do not consume other iron-rich foods.
- Frequent blood donors: people who donate blood regularly may have an increased need for iron, as blood donation can deplete iron stores.
- People with gastrointestinal diseases: some conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract reduce the absorption of nutrients and minerals. These individuals may need various nutritional supplements and are more likely to require intravenous iron because the digestive system cannot absorb it. Those who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy are also more likely to need intravenous iron.
Whether a person needs iron through intravenous injection or orally is determined by the specialist doctor.
How to prevent
You can reduce the need for iron supplements, including intravenous iron injections, by choosing iron-rich foods, which include:
- Red meat, beef, and poultry
- Seafood
- Legumes
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Frozen (dried) fruits, such as raisins and apricots
- Iron-fortified breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta
- Peas
- Foods rich in vitamin C
The body’s ability to absorb iron can be increased by drinking orange juice, which helps improve iron absorption, or by consuming other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time as iron-rich foods.
How to prepare?
Iron injections are usually given in a doctor’s clinic, and they can also be administered in a hospital if you are admitted for another reason. Your doctor will typically prescribe the iron injection, which you will need to obtain from the pharmacy and bring with you to your appointment.
You usually do not need to do anything special on the day of preparing for an iron injection (no need to fast, for example). Eat breakfast and lunch according to your appointment time, take your usual medications, and make sure to drink plenty of water. However, before receiving an intravenous iron injection, you should inform your doctor if you:
- If you take any medications, including dietary supplements or over-the-counter drugs.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you have asthma, eczema, or other allergies.
- If you have had a previous reaction to iron.
- If you have a history of high iron levels or liver problems.
- If you know or suspect that you have an infection.
You will be able to drive home and return to your normal activities unless you have an unexpected reaction. Make sure you have a phone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns before leaving. You will need a blood test two to four weeks after the intravenous injection to check whether your iron levels have improved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there side effects from intravenous iron injections?
If side effects occur, they are usually mild and disappear on their own. The most common ones are temporary and include the following:
- Headache, feeling nauseous, or vomiting, muscle or joint pain.
- Changes in taste (for example, a metallic taste).
- Changes in blood pressure or pulse.
The appearance of spots on the skin (brown spots) is uncommon; it occurs when iron leaks into the tissues around the injection site. The spot may last a long time or be permanent. Therefore, inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel any discomfort, burning, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
How long does an intravenous iron injection take?
The duration of an intravenous injection depends on the amount of iron prescribed by your doctor. You can ask your doctor or nurse about how long the injection will take. Although some injections may not take long, you should be prepared to stay for about two to three hours.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience persistent side effects after an intravenous iron injection, such as unusual fatigue, inability to perform normal activities, or difficulty concentrating, and they last for a few days, you should talk to your doctor to check your iron levels or contact the intravenous injection clinic for advice.
