Iron Infusion for a Healthy Life

There are many metals that our body needs to function properly. Iron is one of them. It produces hemoglobin in red blood cells. It carries oxygen to the body cells through the blood. Its function is to maintain cellular function.

Which people require iron infusion?

Iron infusion may be required if one is

• Unable to intake oral iron supplements
• Unable to be better through oral iron therapy
• Unable to absorb the oral iron supplements
• In need of restoring iron deficiency
• Having renal impairment or chronic heart disease.

Can there be any side effects of iron infusion?

Iron infusion may have some side effect at time They may even settle down on their own. The most common side effects are not permanent and include the following.

• Dizziness (1%)
• Nausea (3%)
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Local reaction to the infusion site (redness, slight swelling)
• Some patients report a metallic taste in their mouth

• Changes to blood pressure
• Skin staining (brown discoloration) may occur due to leakage of iron into the tissues around the needle (drip) site. This is not common but the stain can be long lasting or permanent.
• Even though it is very uncommon; some people may have a serious allergic reaction. In rare cases this can be life threatening.

What should you tell your doctor before he recommends iron infusion?

• Are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Have a personal history of asthma, eczema or other allergies.
• Have had a previous reaction to any type of iron injection or infusion.
• Have a history of Iron overload, Haemochromatosis or liver disorder.
• Are currently taking any medications (including herbal and over the counter medicines).
• Have any infection at present.