Iron Drip

An iron drip, also known as an IV iron infusion, delivers iron directly into the bloodstream through a vein. At East Park Healthcare we use Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose), a prescription-only intravenous iron treatment. IV iron may be considered when oral iron is ineffective, cannot be tolerated or used, or where there is a clinical need to replenish iron more rapidly.

The decision to have an iron infusion should be based on your symptoms, medical history and blood-test results. Tests usually include a Full Blood Count (FBC) and iron studies including ferritin. Symptoms associated with iron deficiency can include tiredness, weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Hair shedding can also occur in some people with iron deficiency. An IV iron infusion should only be given when iron deficiency has been confirmed by appropriate laboratory testing.

Ferritin reflects the body's stored iron, but it should be interpreted alongside other blood results and the patient's clinical circumstances. A low ferritin level can indicate depleted iron stores, although interpretation may be affected by inflammation and other medical conditions. We therefore assess the overall blood-test picture rather than using ferritin alone to decide whether an iron infusion is appropriate.

Yes. At East Park Healthcare we require a recent Full Blood Count and iron studies, including ferritin, before IV iron is booked or administered. We currently ask for these blood tests to have been performed within the previous 6 weeks. If you already have recent results, they can be submitted for clinical review; alternatively, private blood testing can be arranged through the clinic.

The appropriate dose is determined individually and depends particularly on your haemoglobin level and body weight, as well as your overall iron requirement. Ferinject can be administered in doses up to 1,000 mg in a single administration in suitable adults, subject to weight-based limits. Some patients require more than one dose to replenish their calculated iron requirement.

Everyone responds differently. Replenishing iron stores does not necessarily mean symptoms disappear immediately, as the body needs time to utilise the available iron and produce new red blood cells. Improvement can therefore occur gradually over the following days and weeks. Follow-up blood testing may be recommended depending on your circumstances; haemoglobin should not be reassessed earlier than four weeks after the final Ferinject administration.

Not necessarily — the most appropriate treatment depends on the individual. Oral iron is suitable for many people. IV iron may be considered where oral iron has been ineffective, cannot be used or tolerated, or where there is a clinical need to deliver iron more rapidly. Ferinject allows a relatively large amount of iron to be administered intravenously without requiring the repeated oral dosing associated with iron tablets.

IV iron can be used during pregnancy in appropriate circumstances, but the need for treatment must be assessed carefully. The Ferinject prescribing information states that treatment during pregnancy should follow a careful benefit/risk evaluation and should not be used unless clearly necessary. Treatment is generally confined to the second and third trimester when the benefit is judged to outweigh potential risks. Pregnant patients should therefore have their blood results and pregnancy status reviewed before treatment is considered.

As with any medicine, side effects can occur. Reported effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, flushing, changes in blood pressure and reactions around the infusion site. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur and serious allergic reactions are rare, which is why IV iron must be administered in an appropriate clinical environment with trained healthcare professionals and patients monitored following administration. Low phosphate (hypophosphataemia) can also occur, particularly with repeated or higher-dose treatment, and phosphate monitoring may be appropriate for patients at increased risk.

East Park Healthcare provides private IV iron infusions using Ferinject from our clinic at First Floor, 67 East Park Road, Blackburn, BB1 8DW. We can review existing recent blood results or arrange private blood testing where required. Following clinical review, an appropriate Ferinject dose can be recommended and your IV iron appointment arranged.