Iron is an essential element involved in many physiological functions, and is necessary for the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle tissue. Iron plays a crucial role in numerous other vital processes in the human body.

As the human body cannot produce iron, we get our stores from dietary intake, with our body recycling a large portion of Iron that it absorbs, uses and then breaks down.

Physiological Iron stores are thought to best be represented by Ferritin levels, which are measured through a blood test.

Ferritin levels below 30ug/L indicate Iron Deficiency, although some people argue that Ferritin below 45ug/L represent deplete stores and should be actively treated.

Low Iron levels may result in symptoms such as low energy, fatigue, malaise, headaches, restless legs. Iron deficient anaemia may also occur with prolonged levels of low iron.

An iron infusion is a minor procedure in which a medication containing iron is directly infused into the bloodstream. This iron-containing preparation circulates in the body and is delivered to organs that require iron for proper functioning.

Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), is an intravenous (IV) iron medication used to treat iron deficiency. It consists of iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose, which is an iron carbohydrate compound.

Notably, Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is an iron preparation with unique characteristics that enable larger single doses to be administered over a shorter infusion period compared to previously used IV iron preparations.

Iron deficiency occurs due to inadequate dietary intake, and/or inadequate gut absorption, and/or blood loss (most commonly occurring through menstruation). It is approximated that 1 in 10 Australian women suffer from Iron deficiency.

Iron can be replaced through increasing dietary Iron intake, predominantly through eating red meat.

Oral supplementation is recommended as first line for treatment of Iron deficiency. Oral iron suppliments can cause nausea and constipation, and need to be taken regularly for a prolonged period to by effective. Oral iron can often be poorly tolerated or ineffective.

Intravenous iron infusions, where iron is directly administered through a cannula by a doctor or a nurse, allows low risk immediate replacement of Iron over 15-20 minutes.

There are several ways to increase iron stores. These include increasing dietary iron, oral iron supplements, as well as intravenous iron infusions.

In Australia, the current clinical approach recommends using oral iron as the initial treatment (in appropriate doses and for an adequate duration) for most patients with iron-deficiency.

Oral iron is commonly poorly tolerated and often ineffective, and may cause constipation, nausea, stomach cramps etc. Oral iron should be taken with Vitamin C.

In cases where individuals have low iron levels, and can not tolerate oral iron, an iron infusion may be suggested to rapidly increase iron stores.

Iron infusions are considered safe and effective, especially with the availability of newer iron-containing preparations. In the past, older iron infusions were associated with frequent side effects, including allergic reactions.

With the current iron-containing preparation we administer, such side effects are significantly less common, but there is still a potential risk. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks and benefits of undergoing an iron infusion based on your specific circumstances.

It is unusual to experience any significant side-effects from an iron infusion with the newer iron containing medications.

Some people may experience a headache or mild nausea up to 48 hours after. Less commonly some patients experience flushing, a disturbance in taste, itchiness, fever and chills.

A serious and rare complication of Iron infusions is Anaphylaxis, which is a serious allergic reaction. This is thought to occur in approximately less than 1 in 1000 iron infusions.

A full list of risks and side effects can be found below.

Iron infusions are not appropriate for people who :

1. People who are pregnant

2. Are allergic to Ferric Carboxymaltose

3. Have iron Overload/Haemochromatosis

4. Are under the age of 18 years

5. Suffer from fever/infections