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Treatments > Iron Infusion

Iron Infusion

Iron deficiency is surprisingly common and if left untreated can negatively impact your body. Symptoms may initially be subtle and mild but can become more profound, impacting your quality of life, sporting performance and recovery after surgery.

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Why treat iron deficiency?

Iron has a vital role in many aspects of your body’s functions, such as growth, brain (memory, concentration, mood), muscles (myoglobin) and heart. Iron is an essential oxygen carrying element in the body and a component of red blood cells.

Severe iron deficiency can cause anaemia reducing the number or quality of your red blood cells. As a result, your organs and tissues will struggle to get sufficient oxygen. Anaemia can impact on your daily fitness and function leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.

As discussed in your consultation, you may have become iron deficient and anaemic for a variety of reasons, including blood loss, long-term inflammatory disorders etc. which you may need to discuss with your GP to investigate further.

What does the infusion involve?

The iron infusion is given in the outpatient clinic at Tetbury Hospital. You can bring a member of your family or close friend and can eat and drink as normal.

You will sit in a comfortable reclining chair and a tiny cannula (plastic tube) is placed into a vein (usually on the back of the hand or forearm). You may notice a scratch on insertion but much less so than that experienced during blood tests. The iron infusion is a small bag of dark fluid (about half a mug full) which is given over half an hour. You will need to wait another half an hour for observation before you leave.

Make sure that you are hydrated and warm so that we can find your veins easily (an extra glass or two of water before you arrive and wear an extra layer of clothing). Feel free to bring a book, magazine or tablet to pass the time during your infusion.

We will arrange a convenient time for a follow up phone call the next day.

What are the risks?

Iron infusions in general are well tolerated. Allergic reactions to iron infusions are extremely rare however it is given in a hospital setting by highly trained staff for your own safety.

When will I notice my symptoms improving?

The time taken to feel an improvement in symptoms varies between patients. from within a few days to a few weeks.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally people report that they feel general tiredness, aching (similar to before getting a virus) or headache a few days after the infusion. This can be managed with simple
painkillers such as paracetamol and usually settle by themselves. Any worrying symptoms please contact your GP for advice.

We cannot give you the iron treatment if you have an active infection. You will need to postpone the appointment.