Do you feel tired all the time? Do you feel weak even after walking for a short while? Maybe your skin is pale. These could be signs of iron deficiency, or what we medically call 'iron-deficiency anemia'. Usually, a doctor will first give you oral iron pills. Most people get better with that. But for some people, the body doesn't absorb iron well even after taking the pills, or their iron levels are very low. That's when doctors think about an 'iron infusion', a method of giving iron directly to the body through a vein.
Simply put, what is this Iron Infusion?
Iron infusion is a procedure where a small cannula (catheter) is inserted into a vein, giving a liquid iron directly into your bloodstream. This is done in the same way that we give saline. This is also called 'intravenous (IV) iron'.
Now imagine, there is a special protein called 'Hemoglobin' inside the red blood cells of our blood. This is the one that works like a 'delivery boy' that captures the oxygen that comes into the lungs when we breathe and distributes it to every cell in the body. So, the mineral called iron is essential to make this protein called hemoglobin. If there is not enough iron, hemoglobin cannot be made. Then, the body receives less oxygen, which is why the symptoms mentioned earlier such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness appear. An iron infusion is used to quickly restore this reduced amount of iron to the body.
Who usually needs an iron infusion?
Oral iron pills don't work for everyone. Some people experience stomach upset, nausea, and constipation when they take them. Others don't absorb the iron no matter how many pills they take. It's in cases like these that a doctor may recommend an iron infusion.
Let's see what such cases are in the table below.
| Situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Failure of oral iron tablets | For those whose iron levels do not increase after taking the pills or for those who experience stomach upset (gastrointestinal side effects) due to the pills. |
| Bleeding in the digestive system | When there is ongoing bleeding due to stomach ulcers or other diseases, iron needs to be given quickly. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | In this condition, iron absorption is reduced due to inflammation in the intestines. Iron pills can also worsen the condition. |
| Kidney patients (Dialysis) | Because some blood is always lost during the dialysis process, they need extra iron. |
| Before major surgery | Before a surgery that may involve a lot of blood loss, it is important to quickly increase your iron levels. |
| Pregnancy | If severe iron deficiency occurs during pregnancy, provide iron as soon as possible before it affects the mother and baby. |
| Cancer patients | Some patients who have developed anemia due to cancer treatment. |
What happens before and during an iron infusion?
Before treatment
Once you have decided to have an iron infusion, your doctor will calculate the dose of iron you need based on your weight and hemoglobin level . There are a few things you need to tell your doctor at this time:
- About any other illnesses you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure).
- About any allergies you may have.
- All medications you are currently taking (medicines for other illnesses, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines).
Providing this information accurately is very important for your safety.
During treatment
This is usually done in a hospital or clinic.
1. First, a nurse will select a good vein in your arm or hand and insert a cannula through it.
2. Then the bag containing the iron solution is connected to the cannula.
3. This iron solution is given very slowly into the vein. This can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour. It depends on the dose of iron you are given.
4. After the treatment is over, the medical staff will observe you for another 30 minutes to make sure you don't have any allergies.
Benefits and possible side effects
Like any treatment, an iron infusion can have both benefits and minor side effects.
| Advantages | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Quick results: Increases iron levels in the body very quickly. | Headache, dizziness. |
| High efficacy: More effective than oral pills. | Nausea, stomach cramps, or constipation. |
| Convenience: A good solution for those who forget to take their pills daily. | Joint and muscle pain. |
| Safety: Iron solutions used today are very safe. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. | Skin rash or itching. |
| Low blood pressure, chest pain. | |
| Anaphylaxis: A very rare severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing and swelling of the body. (This is why you will be monitored after treatment.) |
These side effects usually subside within a day or two, but if these symptoms persist or you are concerned, be sure to talk to your doctor.
You may need to take one or more doses of Iron Infusion over a period of several weeks. It may take a month or two for your iron levels to return to normal. After about a week of treatment, you should feel less tired and start to feel more energetic.
Take-Home Message
- Iron Infusion is a very effective and rapid treatment for people with severe iron deficiency who do not respond to oral iron pills.
- This treatment is only given for specific medical reasons, on the recommendation of your doctor.
- This is a generally safe procedure that takes between 30-60 minutes. However, you will be monitored for side effects after the treatment.
- It is imperative that you inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medications you are taking before treatment.
- If you experience any uncomfortable side effects after treatment, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
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