Infusion for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron Infusion

Most people can attest that their regular day-to-day routines can be exhausting. From taking care of kids and working a full-time job to running errands, it’s understandable to feel tired at the end of a long day. For people with iron-deficiency anemia, even relatively simple tasks can make them feel wiped out. To add insult to injury, if you don’t receive treatment — or if traditional treatment is not working — it could lead to serious complications, such as an increased likelihood of contracting infections as well as heart problems. If the patient is pregnant, it could also result in going into labor prematurely. If oral medications aren’t working, would infusion therapy be a good option for you?

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the blood doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells. This, in turn, affects the amount of oxygen received throughout your body. It’s caused by not consuming enough iron through your diet, an inability to absorb iron, pregnancy, or losing large amounts of blood. Common symptoms of the condition include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headaches
  • Nails that are prone to breakage
  • Weakness

How can infusion therapy work?

Infusion therapy delivers iron directly into your bloodstream. This means you get faster, more effective results — which is preferred to treat people with severe iron deficiencies. It’s also an ideal alternative for people who cannot take oral medications or for people whose digestive system is failing to absorb iron. Additionally, it’s the best way to increase iron levels to avoid complications from a blood transfusion.

Soon after starting a transfusion, you’ll feel like you can breathe easier, as well as experience increased energy levels. Benefits may last for several months.

Are there any side effects?

Some people do not experience side effects. Those who do may feel any of the following:

  • Itchiness
  • Burning sensation at the site of the injection
  • Headache
  • Temporary changes in the taste of food and drinks
  • Increased heart rate

In rare instances, a person may experience iron toxicity. Symptoms of this complication include anaphylactic shock, severe low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

What to Expect

The medication will be administered by injecting a needle attached to a small tube. This tube is connected to an IV bag of iron diluted with saline solution. Once attached to your arm, the solution will slowly drip into your vein.

Each session can take several hours. However, at Infusion Associates, our staff is fully dedicated to making sure the experience is as comfortable as possible. You can bring a book or magazine, and receive infusions in a reclining chair. We also provide blankets, hot beverages — coffee, tea, or hot cocoa — and you can listen to music or watch a movie. You can also have the peace of mind that comes from having either a doctor or nurse practitioner monitoring the transfusion.

If Your Doctor Has Recommended IV Therapy, Let Infusion Associates Help You

At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a Registered Pharmacist on-site to make the process as seamless as possible.

If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (616) 954-0600 or filling out this form.