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Pharmacy

Receiving Intravenous Iron at Russell’s Hall Hospital

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

Following a blood test, it has been identified that your body’s store of iron is low and this is leading to a condition called Iron deficiency Anaemia. The medical team thinks that you will benefit from a dose of intravenous (IV) iron which will either be given as an infusion or an injection. This leaflet contains information about how you will receive this treatment and what to do if you have any problems.

What is Iron?

Iron is an essential nutrient for your body. It is important part of haemoglobin (Hb) the red pigment which gives blood its colour and which carries oxygen around your body.

You need iron so your body can make new haemoglobin and red blood cells to carry the oxygen your body requires. Therefore, it is very important to have enough in your blood.

What are the likely benefits of IV iron?

Your blood iron level will increase, and this may result in your haemoglobin increasing as well. You may notice that you are less tired, have more energy, better concentration and becomes less breathless when taking exercise.

Where will I receive my treatment?

You will receive this treatment either on the ward where you are admitted or in our day case unit as an outpatient.

How will I have the treatment?

A nurse will give you the IV iron treatment (a drug called Monofer or Ferinject) through a vascular access device. A vascular access device is the medical name for how we get the medication into your bloodstream. We use a cannula – this is a thin, plastic tube inserted through your skin into a vein in your arm or hand.

Once the IV iron has been administered, the vascular access device will be removed. You will need to be monitored for 30 minutes post the infusion so that we can monitor for any delayed adverse reactions.

Depending on certain factors you may require a 2nd dose of intravenous iron. This will occur at least 7 days’ following your first infusion. The medical or nursing team will inform you if this is required.

Cautions

If you have any of the below medical conditions, please speak with nursing/medical team

Side effects

As with any medication, intravenous iron can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them.

Allergic reactions

These are rare however if you feel any of the following please alert nursing or medical team immediately:

Extravasation

This occurs when the iron solution leaks into the tissue surrounding the vein during intravenous administration.

If you notice any of the following symptoms around your vascular access device, please inform the nursing team.

If extravasation occurs the brown/dark coloured staining can be permanent.

Other side effects include:

Taking oral iron tablets

If you are currently talking oral iron supplements, please speak with the medical team regarding resuming these at least 5 days following your last iron infusion.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please speak to the nursing or medical team.

Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Pharmacy / Review date: July 2029 / Version: 1.1 /  Ref: DGH/PIL/02236