Iron Infusions

Iron is essential for the body to make haemoglobin (Hb), a pigment that makes red blood cells red and carries oxygen from the lungs to the body organs and working muscles.

When the amount of iron in the body gets too low, the haemoglobin level can fall below normal. This is known as ‘iron deficiency anaemia’.

If your haemoglobin or iron levels are low, you can feel fatigued and less able to carry out your normal activities.

If you are interested in assessing nutritional causes of low iron please arrange an appointment with our Nurse Practitioner.

The most common way to treat iron deficiency and the resulting anaemia is to take iron by mouth as a tablet or liquid. Some people have side effects with oral iron preparations and need to have an alternative such as injectable iron. We are pleased to offer onsite iron infusions. Many patients previously needing treatment in hospital can now be treated in the clinic with Ferrinject, a convenient new iron preparation.

 An iron infusion might be needed if you are:

• Unable to tolerate oral iron preparations

• Unable to absorb iron through the gut

• Unable to absorb enough iron to compensate for the amount of blood that the body is losing

• In need of a rapid increase in iron levels to avoid complications or a blood transfusion (eg. before major surgery)

All of our patients who require an iron infusion are reviewed by one of our doctors; the risks and benefits of “Ferinject” are discussed and a consent form is signed.

Our nurses are trained to set up the iron infusion, insert the cannula into your arm vein and supervise the procedure. Your doctor will arrange a follow up blood test 4-6 weeks after the infusion.