RESTORE YOUR IRON LEVELS

IV Iron Infusion Therapy

We provide medically-prescribed IV Iron infusions for patients suffering from iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.

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Replenishment your iron stores faster.

Iron infusions are typically recommended for individuals who have severe iron deficiency anemia or those who cannot tolerate or haven’t responded well to oral iron supplements.

People who might need iron infusion therapy include:

When iron levels are critically low and causing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin

Some individuals don’t adequately absorb iron from oral supplements or experience gastrointestinal side effects.

Those with conditions causing chronic blood loss (such as gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, or certain medical conditions) might require iron infusions to restore iron levels.

Pregnant individuals with severe iron deficiency anemia or intolerance to oral iron supplements may be candidates for iron infusions to support both maternal and fetal health.

People with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis might have difficulty absorbing iron due to intestinal inflammation, necessitating iron infusions.

Some individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis may develop anemia due to reduced erythropoietin production. Iron infusions can complement treatments for this type of anemia.

*Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia or other conditions requiring iron infusion therapy.

What is IV Iron Infusion therapy?

What is IV Iron Infusion therapy?

IV Iron Infusion therapy is is a method of delivering iron by infusion with a needle into a vein and is a vital and effective medical treatment for individuals with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. While oral iron supplements are commonly used, IV iron infusion therapy offers several significant advantages and is recommended under specific circumstances.

Iron is a vital mineral in the human body with several essential functions. Firstly, it plays a crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Iron also aids in the production of myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells.

Additionally, iron is involved in various enzymatic reactions that are critical for energy production, DNA synthesis, and overall cellular function. It also supports the immune system by assisting white blood cells in their defense against infections.

The symptoms of iron deficiency

If you suspect you have an iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify.

Iron deficiency anemia signs and symptoms may include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Brittle nails
  • Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
  • Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
  • Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
  • Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia

If you suspect you have an iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Why IV Iron infusion Therapy may be the preferred choice.

IV iron infusion therapy allows for the quick delivery of iron directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This means that the body can rapidly absorb the iron, leading to faster replenishment of iron stores in the body compared to oral supplements, which can take longer to be absorbed and may not be suitable for individuals with malabsorption issues.

Intravenous administration allows healthcare providers to deliver higher doses of iron than what may be possible with oral supplements. This is especially beneficial for patients with severe iron deficiency or those who haven’t responded well to oral iron therapy.

Individuals with chronic blood loss due to conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastrointestinal ulcers may require a continuous and reliable source of iron. IV iron therapy offers a suitable solution for maintaining iron levels in these cases.

Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, or stomach upset when taking oral iron supplements. IV iron therapy avoids these potential issues as the iron is directly infused into the bloodstream.

Certain medical conditions or gastrointestinal disorders can hinder the body’s ability to absorb iron effectively from oral supplements. In such cases, IV iron therapy becomes the preferred method of treatment.

IV iron therapy often requires fewer doses compared to oral supplements to achieve the desired iron levels. This can lead to better treatment compliance, as patients may find it more manageable and convenient.

In some cases, patients may require a boost in iron levels before undergoing surgery to optimize their overall health and recovery potential.

Why IV Iron infusion Therapy may be the preferred choice.

While oral iron supplements are commonly used, IV iron infusion therapy offers several significant advantages and is recommended under specific circumstances.

What to expect

What to expect

Iron is needed for many organs, especially to help form red blood cells and enable them to carry oxygen around your body. If your body has insufficient “iron”, then fewer blood cells are produced.

Your blood test have shown that you have not enough iron in your body, either because you have lost blood, because you have an infection or another condition that causes a deficiency in iron. Your doctor may have prescribed you an iron infusion because iron taking tablets has not worked or because you need to increase your iron stores quickly.

When you come into the Paarl Infusion Center a nurse can talk to you further about the treatment and what you can expect.

IV Iron Infusion treatment with Monofer does not require any special preperations from your side. You can eat and drink as you normally do and also take your usual medicines. We advise you go through your whole medical history with your doctor.

Monofer and Ferinject are intravenous iron treatment that is given directly into your vein. The infusion will go into your vein from a drip.

The Nurse will observe you for the first few minutes of treatment to make sure that you do not have a reaction to the infusion. Some patient experience mild to moderate infusion reactions. These reactions should not cause you any concern. The nurse is there to support and guide you throughout the infusion.

If you feel dizzy or unwell during the treatment, please tell your nurse or doctor and the infusion will then be stopped. The symptoms usually go away after a few minutes. Once the symptoms have disappeared, the nurse can restart the infusion, and the symptoms usually do come back.

The time it takes for an infusion depends on your weight and the iron dose needed. An infusion will take approximately 15 – 30 minutes. you will be observed for 30 minutes by your doctor or nurse following each administration.

The time taken for each patient to feel improvements of the symptoms of iron deficiency is very individual. Some people will feel better after only a couple of days, others will feel an improvement after a few weeks or a month, while some people may not notice a difference.

Some patients may experience achy joints or limbs or sometimes fever in the days following the infusion. Although uncomfortable, these side effects usually settle after a few days. Using simple painkillers can sometimes help to easy the discomfort. If these do not help, or if you have any other symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice.

In the weeks or months after treatment a new blood sample will usually be taken if your body’s iron store are fully corrected. By doing this your doctor will be able to determine if you need further treatment. Some patients need more that one treatment. I you have a chronic condition that is causing your iron deficiency, it is normal to have your treatment repeated.

The process for an IV iron infusion is as follows

All patients must have a referral from their doctor before making an appointment at Paarl Infusion Center. Please check with your insurance provider if you have questions about referrals. Paarl Infusion Center staff will verify your insurance coverage before your first visit and contact you if additional information is needed.

1. Get iron levels tested

Iron profile studies are done by your treating medical doctor and a prescription is issued if needed.

2. Get medication

You then have the option of purchasing the medication yourself or sending us the prescription.

3. Make appointment

An appointment is then made with us for the infusion. Remember, we do not keep stock of iron at our practice. 

4. Requirements

We require a copy of the prescription, as well as the medication in order to run the infusion.