IV iron infusion
iron infusion · IV iron · intravenous iron · iron drip
Iron medicine is given through a drip into a vein. This refills your iron stores faster than tablets.
For iron deficiency anemia when tablets do not help or cause side effects, in pregnancy, or before surgery, as your doctor prescribes.
⏱ Duration: one infusion usually takes 15 to 60 minutes, plus 30 minutes of observation; blood tests show the effect after a few weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. You can usually eat as normal.
- Tablets. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor. They will decide if you need iron tablets along with the infusion.
- Clothing. A sleeve that is easy to roll up.
What to bring
- Your referral and recent blood tests
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- The nurse puts an IV line in a vein
- The drip with iron is connected
- It runs slowly, and you are watched
- Your blood pressure and pulse are checked from time to time
- After it finishes, you sit for about 30 minutes more
What you'll feel
- Usually nothing
- Sometimes a metallic taste or mild nausea
- A headache or muscle aches for 1 to 2 days can happen
Afterwards
- A normal day. You can go home
- If the medicine leaks under the skin, a brown mark can stay. So tell the nurse right away about any burning in your arm
- A blood test is usually repeated after a few weeks
Contact a doctor straight away if
- During the infusion: burning in the arm, a rash, itching, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Tell the nurse right away
- At home: a swollen face or trouble breathing. Call emergency services
Common questions
Why not tablets?
Tablets work more slowly and sometimes cause side effects. An infusion gives a lot of iron at once.
How many infusions will I need?
It depends on the medicine and how much iron you are missing. Usually 1 to 3. Your doctor decides.