IV Iron Infusions for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Overview

Iron deficiency anemia happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Common causes include blood loss (for example heavy periods or bleeding in the digestive tract), poor absorption (such as with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or after weight-loss surgery) and higher needs during pregnancy. Finding the cause is as important as replacing the iron.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Tiredness and weakness
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Pale skin
• Headaches or dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Craving ice
• Restless legs

When to Contact a Provider

Talk to a provider about ongoing tiredness, very heavy periods or black, tarry stools. Chest pain or fainting needs urgent care.

How Treatment May Help

Oral iron is usually tried first. IV iron may be considered when oral iron isn't tolerated, doesn't work well enough, can't be absorbed, or when iron needs to be replaced more quickly. IV iron can help restore iron stores and raise hemoglobin over several weeks.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose): IV infusion; often two doses at least seven days apart
• Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose): IV infusion; often a single dose
• Feraheme (ferumoxytol): IV infusion; usually two doses three to eight days apart
• Venofer (iron sucrose): IV infusion or slow IV injection, usually as several smaller doses; approved for iron deficiency anemia in people with chronic kidney disease

Safety and Monitoring

Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible, so you are observed for at least 30 minutes after an infusion. Other possible effects include headache, nausea, flushing and changes in blood pressure.

Injectafer can lower blood phosphate levels, so your provider may check this. Follow-up blood tests help confirm that iron levels have improved and avoid giving too much iron.

Your prescribing provider decides which treatment is right for you. Infuse Care administers prescribed therapies after a referral, a clinical review and any required insurance authorization, and we keep your provider's office updated on your care.