Intravenous Iron

Name of medication

At Gateshead Health we use 2 different intravenous iron preparations (IV iron). These are called Monofer and Ferinject.

Why would we use IV iron?

Medicines that contain iron are used when you do not have enough iron in your body. This is called iron deficiency.

Intravenous iron is used to treat iron deficiency when:

• Oral iron is not effective enough
• You cannot tolerate oral iron
• Your doctor decides you need iron very quickly to build up your iron stores.

Your doctor will determine whether you need iron by performing a blood test.

Likely benefits of IV iron

Your iron levels will increase, and this will usually lead to your haemoglobin also increasing. You may notice that you are less tired and less breathless.

You should not have IV iron:

• If you have experienced serious allergic reactions to injectable iron preparations previously
• You have anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
• If you have too much iron in your body

Warnings and precautions

Please tell your doctor if:

• You have a history of a medicine allergy
• You have systemic lupus erythematous
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis
• If you have severe asthma, eczema, or other allergies
• If you have an infection
• If you have liver disorders
• If you are pregnant or breast feeding

How IV iron is administered

Your doctor will decide how much iron to give you dependent on your haemoglobin levels and your weight. You may need 2 doses, which will be 1 week apart. The iron will be administered by IV infusion and typically takes between 30 – 60minutes. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored before, during and after administration.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, IV iron can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, feeling hot and nausea. This may persist for a few days after treatment. Rare side effects may include numbness, tingling or prickling sensation of the skin, a change in taste sensation, high heart rate, low blood pressure, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, itching rash, muscular aches and pains, fever, feeling tired, chest pain and very rarely anaphylactic reactions.

Side effects are usually mild, but it is important you report any symptoms to the doctor or nurse looking after you. You can also report side effects directly via: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

There is a risk of irritation of the skin and permanent skin staining if your cannula is leaking or not working properly. Please inform a member of staff immediately if there is any pain or swelling to the site of administration and the infusion will be stopped.

After the iron infusion, be careful for around 24 hours, as if you knock yourself and bruise, the bruise may be permanent.

What happens next

You may have been referred for further tests to determine the reason for your iron deficiency anaemia. You may require a second dose of IV iron. Please ensure this appointment is made for you.

Your GP (or another health professional) will review you in two to four weeks to check how you have responded to treatment and to have a repeat blood test to check your haemoglobin levels.