Hematology and IV Iron Infusions in Toms River, NJ

Overview

Hematology is the care of the blood and blood-forming organs. The hematology treatment most often given at Infuse Care is IV iron for iron deficiency anemia, which happens when iron stores are too low for the body to make enough hemoglobin. A hematologist often helps find out why iron is being lost or not absorbed, and decides whether IV iron is the right next step.

Common Causes

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Blood loss from the stomach or intestines
• Poor absorption, such as after weight-loss surgery or with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
• Frequent blood donation
• Higher iron needs, such as during pregnancy

Signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Tiredness and weakness
• Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat with activity
• Pale skin
• Headaches
• Restless legs
• Craving ice

When IV Iron May Be Considered

Oral iron is usually tried first. IV iron may be considered when oral iron causes side effects you can't tolerate, hasn't worked after an adequate trial, can't be absorbed, or can't keep up with ongoing losses, or when iron needs to be rebuilt before a planned surgery. IV iron can help restore iron stores and raise hemoglobin, usually 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) is approved for iron deficiency anemia in people with chronic kidney disease; see our Nephrology page.

What to Expect

Most iron infusions take less than an hour, followed by an observation period of at least 30 minutes. Your provider will usually repeat blood tests a few weeks later to check your response.

Safety and Monitoring

Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible, and Feraheme carries a boxed warning for them, which is why you are observed after each infusion. Other possible effects include headache, nausea, muscle aches, flushing and changes in blood pressure. Injectafer can lower blood phosphate levels, which may cause tiredness, weakness or bone pain, so your provider may check this. Iron can stain the skin if it leaks from the vein, so tell your nurse right away about pain or swelling at the IV site.

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.