Low iron levels sap your energy, making it hard to keep up with the demands of daily life.
Often, you’ve had these symptoms for a while before you see your GP and get a blood test. Then there may be a period of trying dietary changes, taking iron supplements or having investigative procedures before you’re eventually referred for an iron infusion.
Meanwhile, you may still be battling fatigue, breathlessness and dizziness. Understandably, one of the first things many iron infusion patients want to know is, “How long does it take for an iron infusion to work?”
We’ll get to that. But first, let’s recap on what iron is and why you need it.
The importance of iron
Iron is a mineral. Along with vitamins and other minerals like zinc, it is considered a micronutrient – but it is vitally important. That’s because you need iron to make haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
When your iron levels are low, you may experience a range of unwelcome symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things, which may affect performance at work or school
People have different iron requirements, depending on age and gender. Low iron levels may result from:
- Not getting enough iron from your diet
- Difficulty absorbing iron (due to underlying conditions like coeliac disease)
- Blood loss – you may need to see a gastroenterologist to rule out any bleeding in your stomach or bowel
- Extra demands on your body – menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding can all deplete iron levels
Treatment options may include dietary changes, iron supplements and managing any underlying conditions.
One of the fastest ways to increase iron levels is an iron infusion, where iron is delivered directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous drip. This means it doesn’t have to be absorbed through your gut.
How long does an iron infusion take?
We deliver iron infusions onsite in our clinic. Appointments typically take about 30 minutes.
How long until I feel better after an iron infusion?
The answer is about 6-8 weeks, though many patients report some gains within a few days of their infusion. For most people, improvement is gradual with positive changes to your energy levels, sleep quality, mood and memory over time.
What else should I do?
In addition to your infusion, we encourage you to follow your doctor’s advice regarding:
- Dietary changes to eat more foods that are rich in iron and vitamin C (which helps iron absorption)
- Management of any conditions affecting your iron levels – heavy periods, for example, can be treated, meaning you avoid losing so much blood
- Regular testing of your iron levels to ensure all is within normal limits
Are there any side effects from an iron infusion?
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated by most patients.
Occasionally, some patients may experience side effects such as:
- An allergic reaction (very rare)
- Nausea, cramps, diarrhoea or constipation
- Bloating or swelling
- Low blood pressure, faintness or lightheadedness
- Staining (extravasation) – we take active steps to prevent this
- Aches, pains and low-grade fever – this is because the rapid formation of red blood cells can release cytokines, which cause flu-like symptoms.
Many patients experience no side effects. However, if you are concerned, please contact us or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
How can we help?
We’ve performed over 3,500 iron infusions without staining a patient, thanks to our rigorous quality assurance process.
We follow a patient-friendly model of care that includes:
- Privacy
- Attention – an experienced clinician stays with you and monitors your treatment
- A set fee that covers everything.
Please ask your GP for a referral to our iron infusion service today.
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Moonee Valley Specialist Centre can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment or procedure is right for you. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. A second opinion may help you decide if a particular treatment is right for you.
References
- National Institutes of Health, What is iron and what does it do? https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/, [Accessed 6 March 2024]
- Healthdirect, Iron deficiency, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/iron-deficiency, [Accessed 6 March 2024]