Iron Infusion Therapy for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Discover what iron infusion treatment is all about and how it can be an effective therapy for iron deficiency anemia in this helpful guide, assembled by top medical infusion doctors and nurses.
What is iron infusion therapy?
Iron infusion therapy is a type of medical treatment that involves infusing a concentrated solution of iron directly into the patient’s bloodstream. It is prescribed to treat iron deficiency anemia.
Iron infusion aims to increase the number of red blood cells in the body, which in turn helps to alleviate symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells due to a lack of iron. Red blood cells are the vehicle our body depends on to transport oxygen to our organs and tissue.
Without adequate amounts of oxygen delivery, we can experience:
Shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue
Dizziness
Headaches
Weakness
Increased risk of bleeding
Hinders the ability to fight infections
If severe enough, it can compromise our cardiovascular health and we can become more susceptible to infection and bleeding. Although some people benefit from oral iron therapy, it does not work for all. Therefore, intravenous iron infusion therapy can be a great alternative that is proven to yield faster, more effective results.
What medications are available for my provider to prescribe?
Lux Infusion is pleased to offer three different brands of iron infusion therapy.
Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose): Monoferric is prescribed as a single infusion that can be safely repeated if need be. It is infused over 20 minutes and is indicated for adults. It is the preferred medication for those with kidney disease or those that were unable to tolerate oral iron.
Injectafer (ferric carboyxymaltose): Injectafer is typically given as two separate infusions, often 7-days apart. Each infusion takes approximately 30 minutes. It can be prescribed for patients 1-year and older.
Venofer (iron sucrose): Venofer is used specifically for iron deficiency anemia in adults and children over the age of 2. In general, Venofer is infused in three separate doses several weeks apart over 90 minutes.
What are some possible side effects of iron infusion?
Some medications are more prone to reactions than others. However, most people do not report side effects. Those that do may notice:
Headache
Increased heart rate
Skin flushing
Rash
Itching
*Although rare, as with any drug, anaphylaxis can occur. Lux Infusion staff are prepared to act immediately if anaphylaxis is ever suspected.
What should be expected at my iron infusion appointment?
Once your provider sends Lux Infusion a referral, our team will begin the process to ensure your prior authorization is completed within 1-2 days. The day of your appointment, you can prepare to be greeted by our friendly staff, who will help you check-in and provide you with any remaining paperwork. The infusion nurse will then seat you in a comfortable heated massage recliner and get treatment started. We will be taking vital signs, performing an assessment, and providing education.
You will be offered a heated blanket, your choice of beverage, snacks, and entertainment. If it is your first infusion, you will be asked to stay 30 minutes after to ensure your body tolerates the iron without issue. Immediately following your therapy, you should begin to feel less fatigued.
Symptoms will continue to improve over the course of a few weeks and should continue for several months. Your provider will likely continue to monitor your blood levels to ensure you are staying within an adequate range.
