What Is an Iron Infusion Clinic? in Sunshine Coast, Queensland
A common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. For most patients with iron-deficiency anaemia in Australia, existing clinical management recommends oral iron as first-line therapy. When oral iron preparations are inadequate or impossible to use, however, an iron infusion is used to treat patients with iron deficiency. They go to iron infusion clinics as an alternative.
In this article, we are going to outline everything you need to know about the clinic, including the things you should expect from them and what you should consider before making any steps.
What is an iron infusion?
Intravenous (IV) means directly injecting something into the body's bloodstream through a vein. A needle is inserted into a vein (usually in the back of the hand or arm) and connected to an iron-containing syringe or drip. This fluid is slowly pumped into your vein and combined with your blood.
Is an iron infusion safe?
For the newer iron-containing drugs, it is rare to have any major side effects from an iron infusion. Some patients may feel nausea or a headache. Flushing, a change in taste, itchiness, fever, and chills are less common side effects.
If you have any problems related to your iron infusion, you will be seen by a Registered Nurse and a Specialist Emergency Physician at Kon-Tiki Medical Centre.
How to prepare for an iron infusion?
Before receiving an iron infusion, a person should consult his doctor to see if any special preparations are needed.
Most people do not need to fast or avoid taking their medications until having an iron infusion, and they may resume their normal activities afterwards.
However, if a person is taking daily iron supplements, a doctor will normally advise him to quit around a week before the operation. This is because the supplements can make it difficult for the body to absorb the iron from the infusion. When receiving iron infusions, a person typically does not need iron supplements.
Some of the things you should do to be comfortable during the procedure include wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, bringing drinking water, listening to music, watching a film or TV show, and reading a book or magazine.
What should you expect from your chosen iron infusion clinic?
An iron infusion will be given at a doctor's office, a hospital, or another healthcare facility.
A tourniquet will be applied to their arm, and a small needle will be inserted into a vein. This needle is then replaced with a catheter, which allows the intravenous medication to be administered (IV).
A “test dose” is often given before a person receives the entire infusion. An individual will be given small amounts of iron over a 5-minute duration during the test dose. Newer iron formulations, on the other hand, seldom need a test dose.
The IV iron is a fluid solution containing iron. A doctor can prescribe the remaining iron if there are no allergic reactions or other unanticipated reactions. When given in doses of 200-300 milligrams, the infusion can take 15-30 minutes (mg).
Most doctors would advise against giving anyone more than 600 mg of iron in a week. If a person absorbs too much iron too fast, they are more likely to experience negative side effects from the infusion.
What happens during an iron infusion?
In most cases, an iron infusion takes place in a hospital or a haemodialysis centre. A needle will be used to insert a narrow tube (catheter) into a vein by a doctor or another healthcare provider, such as a nurse. The needle is normally inserted into a vein in your arm or side. The needle will then be removed from your vein, leaving the catheter in place.
The catheter is connected to a long tube that is connected to the iron's IV bag. A saline solution is often used to dilute the iron. This solution is either injected into your vein or drips down the tube and into your vein over time.
You may feel a slight pinch where the IV needle is inserted in your skin. During the operation, there might be some pressure at the injection site.
The doctor conducting the operation will first give you a test dose to ensure you don't have any iron-related side effects. If you do, the operation will be stopped.
What happens after an infusion?
After receiving an iron infusion, an individual can experience mild side effects for 1-2 days. Headaches, a metallic taste in the mouth, and joint pain are also possible side effects. In the days following an iron infusion, however, if a person develops chest pain, dizziness, mouth swelling, or trouble breathing, they should seek medical help right away.
As part of their recovery, a doctor will usually ask the patient to return multiple times for additional iron infusions. Depending on the patient's tolerance, the doctor can increase the dose. An individual can only receive one iron infusion at a time.
If the amount of iron in the blood increases, the symptoms that a person encounters as a result of low iron levels should begin to fade. The iron infusions help to restore a person's iron reserves, which can take several weeks.
To ensure that the iron infusions are working, a doctor will monitor the person's iron levels and blood counts regularly.
Are you ready to visit an iron infusion clinic? Book an appointment at Kon-Tiki Medical Centre Today!
At Kon-Tiki Medical Centre, you will be cared for by experienced practitioners, including Internal Medicine specialists and Specialist Registered Nurses. Our clinic follows a methodical and effective approach to help you understand your iron deficiency. We provide you with an iron consultation so that we can tailor our treatment to your particular needs.
We will review your latest blood test results during your appointment, including what was checked for and why, as well as what this means for your health and care. We will always leave ample time in the consultation for you to ask any questions or express any doubts you may have about your health or our service.
Our service does not stop once you get your iron infusion. We aim to provide comprehensive post-treatment care, as well as regular monitoring of your iron levels to preserve your good health and avoid iron deficiency. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!
