Intravenous Iron Therapy | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your treatment. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is an iron infusion?

Iron is an essential mineral for your body. It is an important part of haemoglobin (the protein inside red blood cells) which carries oxygen around your body. Intravenous iron is a way of quickly getting iron into your bloodstream by using a small tube which is placed into a vein in your arm, though which we can give you a liquid solution containing iron (an infusion).

Why do I need an iron infusion?

If you do not have enough iron, you may become anaemic. As a result, this can make you more feel tired and short of breath as the heart is having to work harder and faster to get oxygen around the body. Treatment for your iron deficiency anaemia is an important part of your overall heart failure treatment plan and may improve your symptoms and make you feel better.

Can there be any complications or risks?

As with all medication, intravenous iron can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Side effects can include:

Allergic reactions (less than 1 in 100 people) which can cause: shortness of breath, a rash (similar to nettle rash) or hives, other rashes, itching, skin becoming flushed (red and hot) and nausea and shivering

Temporary changes in taste (e.g. things tasting metallic)
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle and joint pain
Changes to blood pressure or pulse
Burning sensation and swelling at the infusion site
Irritation of the skin around where the infusion was given.
The above side effects are easily treated. If a side effect becomes severe during the infusion, we will stop the treatment.

Rarely, the iron infusion can cause a discolouration of the skin around the infusion site. This is due to the iron solution leaking into the skin. It can cause permanent staining of the skin. If you feel any discomfort during the infusion, please report it to staff immediately.

You should not receive intravenous iron if:

You are known to be sensitive (allergic) to any of the ingredients used in the iron solution used for the intravenous treatment
You have liver disease, such as severe liver cirrhosis or hepatitis, or you have recently had abnormal liver function test results
You have any new or on-going infections
You are less than 12 weeks pregnant
Your anaemia is not due to a shortage of iron.

What will happen when I attend the hospital?

On the day of treatment, please eat and drink as normal and take any regular medications.

You will need to attend the hospital for your treatment. The infusion will take place on the Cardiology 5 Day Ward which is within the Cardiology Outpatients Department, Entrance 1, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ

When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of the team who will take and record your temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

A registered Nurse will then insert the cannula into your vein in your hand/arm.

The infusion will then be drawn up and attached to the cannula, the infusion will be attached to a pump that will deliver the correct amount of iron infusion over approximately 60 minutes.

Your blood pressure, temperature and pulse will be retaken before you leave the unit to make sure everything is well.

If you experience any side effects, then you must alert a member of staff.

When the infusion is complete the cannula will be removed, you may have some bruising where the cannula was inserted.

You will then be asked to wait 30 minutes after the infusion has completed so that staff can be sure that you have not developed and reactions to the iron solution.

You can drive following the infusion as long as you feel well enough to do so and carry on with your usual activities.

What happens afterwards?

Sometimes side effects can occur one to two days after the infusion. These will generally settle down without the need for treatment over the next few days.

If you are worried, or the side effects are having an impact on your day-to-day activities then please contact your GP.

If you have chest pain, difficulty in breathing, dizziness or neck or mouth swelling, call an ambulance (dial tel: 999).

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Cardiology Specialist Nurses on tel: 01482 461647 or the Cardiology 5 Day Ward on tel: 01482 461517 or tel: 01482 461518