What To Expect From An Iron Infusion: Benefits, Side Effects, & Treatments

What is Iron?

Iron is a mineral that is essential for supporting many aspects of your health. Normal iron levels ensure that your body can produce healthy red blood cells. These cells help create hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout your body to provide your organs with the tools they need to function normally.

When your blood iron is low, your body cannot get the oxygen it needs due to insufficient levels of healthy blood cells. 

This condition is called iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms.

What is the Normal Amount of Iron in Your Body?

Most adults store between 1-3 g of iron in their bodies. Much like other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, some of this iron is used throughout the day for normal body functions. Iron is also lost throughout the day due to natural skin or mucosal shedding.

These levels are typically maintained through dietary iron intake. Individuals who have an iron deficiency may be functioning on less than 50% of their normal stores.

The Symptoms of Low Iron Levels

Iron deficiencies typically have a slow onset with initial mild symptoms worsening over time. This can make it difficult to notice if a deficiency is present.

Low iron levels can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Inflamed or sore tongue
• Cold hands and/or feet
• Brittle nails
• Rarely, cravings such as ice or dirt
• Infants and children may have a poor appetite.

What is Iron Infusion?

It is a minimally invasive IV medical treatment in which a patient receives a blend of saline, iron, and other vitamins intravenously.

Unlike vitamin IV treatments, which take less than an hour to infuse, iron treatments may take between 3-4 hours per session.

There are several advantages of getting an iron infusion over oral supplementation. This is due to the slow drip speed which helps prevent complications.

• Iron infusions bypass the digestive system, helping patients avoid stomach upset and other digestive issues that often come with oral iron supplements.
• Since iron IVs are delivered directly into the bloodstream, the ingredients are immediately available for use by your body.
• Oral supplements must pass through your digestive system, where components must be broken down before they can be absorbed and become available for use.

• Individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills do not have to worry about struggling with taking their daily dose.
• People who have difficulty taking medications regularly do not have to worry about remembering when it is time for a new dose as treatments come directly to them.
• Infusions offer superior effectiveness than oral supplements for individuals who have trouble absorbing iron through the gut for any reason.

Why would a Patient Need an Iron Infusion?

There may be many reasons that a person may need an iron infusion to correct low blood iron levels.

These reasons may include:

• Illness
• Certain medical conditions
• Low blood iron due to side effects from other treatments
• Inability to absorb adequate iron from diet or supplements
• Intolerance to oral iron supplementation

• A clinical need to rapidly replenish iron stores
• Oral supplements have not been effective at raising blood iron levels
• In advance of a surgical procedure³ to correct anemia, reduce the need for blood transfusions, and improve recovery time
• Patients who do not take oral iron therapy as prescribed
• Patient has an inflammatory bowel disease where oral supplements are either not tolerated or contraindicated.

How do You Know if You Need an Iron Infusion?

The only way to know if you need more iron in your body is to get a diagnosis from a medical professional. Multiple types of blood tests are typically required in order for a diagnosis.

Low blood iron levels can cause symptoms that overlap with your lifestyle and many medical conditions, so it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the exact cause and seek the correct treatment.

What are Normal Iron Levels that do Not Require an Iron Infusion?

There is no single “normal” iron level.

Normal ranges will depend on factors such as a person’s age, sex, activity levels, whether or not a person is pregnant, and more. In addition, there are other factors that a doctor will weigh before recommending an iron infusion, such as the type of anemia you have, whether or not you are pregnant, whether oral supplementation can be used to correct mild anemia and more.

If you notice symptoms of low iron, it’s important to visit a doctor. 

They will be able to review your current symptoms, medical history, and lab test results to determine whether an iron infusion is right for you.

Who can Not Receive Iron Infusions?

Although many people can safely receive iron infusions, this is not the case for everyone.

People who cannot receive iron infusions include:

• History of adverse reactions to iron infusions
• Anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency
• Iron overload
• History of cirrhosis of the liver
• Allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in an iron infusion

• Patients with a history of severe asthma, eczema, or other atopic allergy
• Current acute or chronic infection
• Patients taking certain medications
• Acute renal failure
• Patients under the age of 14 years
• A patient has a fever or sepsis.
• Pregnancy in the first trimester

What Tests Do You Need to be Diagnosed with Low Blood Iron?

A doctor will typically order one or more types of blood iron tests before making a diagnosis. Tests take the form of a blood draw which only takes a few minutes to administer. Test results will show whether you have too little or too much iron in your blood.

Results can help your doctor determine whether you have a medical condition that needs treatment, whether a medication you are taking is impacting your blood iron levels, or whether low blood iron levels are linked to menstruation.

Tests may include:

• Iron Panel (Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin): This test detects the current levels of iron, ferritin, and transferrin in your body.
• Hemoglobin (HB): This test measures the amount of this blood protein that aids in transporting oxygen throughout your body.
• Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the current levels of your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, and hematocrit.

• Complete metabolic panel: This panel measures the current levels of your kidney and liver function.

Lab test results are generally required within one month prior to the start of an IV iron infusion. Tests may be ordered following treatment as well. Lab tests are performed after treatment to determine whether blood iron levels have stabilized or if further infusions are necessary.

Iron Infusion during Pregnancy

Pregnant women may get iron infusions when ordered by a doctor. Infusions may be recommended in the second or third trimester. Women in their first trimester are not currently eligible for iron infusions.

What are the Symptoms of Anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which your blood lacks a normal amount of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of anemia. Every type impacts the normal levels of RBCs in your body.

Anemia is defined by the World Health Organization⁴ as:

• <12 g/dL hemoglobin in women
• <13 g/dL hemoglobin in men

All types have some symptoms in common, including:

• Fatigue
• Feeling cold
• Shortness of breath

Individual types of anemia cause condition-specific symptoms.

What are the Types of Anemia?

There are many types of this condition:

• Iron-deficiency anemia – a very common type where low blood iron causes your body to make an insufficient number of red blood cells. These blood cells are typically small.
• Vitamin-deficiency anemia – this type is caused by low levels of vitamin B12 and/or folate, typically as a result of poor diet or difficulty with absorption.
• Aplastic anemia – occurs when your bone marrow is unable to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells. 

This may result from autoimmune diseases, genetic causes, certain medications, infections, and more.

• Hemolytic anemia – this occurs when the disease causes your body to produce deformed blood cells that do not have a normal lifespan. This may occur due to certain drugs or exposure to toxic elements.
• Anemia of chronic disease – this chronic type is caused by certain conditions that impact the normal production of red blood cells. These may include cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune disease, and others.
• Pernicious anemia – occurs when a person has an autoimmune condition that prevents their body from absorbing vitamin B12, an essential vitamin in healthy red blood cell development.
• Sickle cell anemia – is an inherited condition in which the body produces blood cells that are rigid and crescent-shaped. These cells may be destroyed faster than they can be replaced as they can break apart more easily than normal blood cells.

How does Iron Deficiency cause Anemia?

Iron is a crucial component in enabling your body to make hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, it cannot make enough hemoglobin or red blood cells. In addition, the cells it creates are small (microcytic) and contain less hemoglobin than normal.

How is Anemia Diagnosed?

You will receive a diagnosis following an evaluation of your medical history, blood tests, and any other screening that your doctor recommends.

How is Anemia Treated?

Treatment varies depending on individual needs, the type of anemia present, and the severity of the condition. Your doctor will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your situation.

Here, we briefly discuss how different types of anemia are treated.

Who is most likely to Develop Iron-deficiency Anemia?

Although anyone can develop it, some individuals are at higher risk than others. People in these categories should take note of any anemia symptoms they experience and speak to their doctor about getting tested for anemia.

• Women, especially those with heavy menstrual cycles.
• Pregnant individuals.
• Individuals with cancer.⁵
• Vegetarians and vegans who do not get enough iron from their diet.

• Individuals with certain diseases and illnesses.
• Individuals who have difficulty absorbing iron through the gut.
• Infants and children.
• People who donate blood regularly.

What is Intravenous Iron Supplementation?

Intravenous iron supplementation (also known as iron IV therapy) increases the level of iron in the blood through a combination of saline solution and iron. Treatments help correct low levels quickly because they are infused directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

How does Iron Infusions work for Iron-deficiency Anemia?

Iron infusions raise the level of blood iron faster than oral supplements or diet changes. They are also highly effective for people who have difficulties absorbing iron through the gut. Treatments may take place over several days, weeks, or months depending on individual needs. Following the initial course of treatment, patients may receive infusions throughout the year as needed to maintain normal blood iron levels.

How Quickly Does an Iron Infusion Work?

Some patients feel better shortly after their first infusion. Those who need multiple infusions to correct low iron levels may start feeling better after a week or more.

The exact number of infusions needed will depend on your situation. Your doctor will assess your needs and develop a treatment plan to effectively correct your iron-deficiency anemia.

How to Prepare for an Iron Infusion

Preparing is straightforward.

• Make sure you set aside enough time for treatment.
• Iron infusions may take 3 or 4 hours, so make sure to have a book, a game, music or podcasts, or a computer on hand. Some people opt to sit near a TV to stay occupied during treatment.
• Eat your normal meals and stay hydrated.
• Take your medication as normal unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves as the infusion will be administered in your arm.
• Consider having a blanket on hand if you get cold easily.
• There is no need to fast prior to this procedure unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

Following treatment, you can resume your daily activities as normal if you feel well enough to do so.

What happens During an Iron Infusion?

The process starts by administering a needle that allows a catheter (a small tube) into the blood vein. You may feel a small pinch when the needle breaks the skin. The catheter is typically inserted in your arm at the inside of your elbow. Once it has been inserted, the needle is removed, leaving only the catheter in your vein.

The catheter is attached to a tube that connects to the iron infusion bag, which contains a blend of sterile saline solution and iron. This bag is hung above your head to allow gravity to slowly drip the infusion into your bloodstream.

Once the catheter is in place, your nurse will administer a test dose to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to any ingredients in the infusion. Your nurse will stop the infusion and administer treatment to stop the allergic reaction if necessary. If you do not have any adverse reactions to the test dose, your infusion will begin.

The infusion itself is painless for most people, although some people may experience side effects such as headaches or nausea during treatment. Your nurse will monitor you for any adverse reactions.

The infusion process typically takes 3-4 hours. Following your treatment, you can resume activities as normal unless otherwise instructed.

Iron Infusion Benefits

There are several key iron infusion benefits:

• For superior absorption as compared to oral supplements
• To restore normal iron levels quickly
• To correct low iron levels without the potential gastrointestinal upset that can come with oral supplements
• As regular infusions for ongoing maintenance to help you keep iron levels within normal values
• To rehydrate your body

• To help patients avoid missing daily oral tablets due to forgetfulness or difficulty taking oral pills.

Iron Infusion Side Effects and Complications 

Iron infusions are a safe procedure when administered by a licensed healthcare professional. However, treatments are minimally invasive procedure that comes with some potential risks.

Risks of IV treatment in general include:

• Air embolism
• Blood clots

• Vein damage
• Slight chance of infection at the injection site.

There are also several potential side effects of iron infusions. They are typically mild and resolve on their own shortly after treatment.

• Headaches
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Temporary changes in your sense of taste and/or smell
• Increased or decreased blood pressure
• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Skin irritations such as redness, swelling, itchiness, or tenderness at the injection site

• Digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Iron para venous leakage, which is a leakage of iron at the injection site that can cause long-lasting skin discoloration.

In addition to these, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to ingredients in the infusion. However, your test dose will help prevent this issue.

Iron Overload

Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is a common condition where there is too much iron present in the body.⁶ There are two types: primary and secondary.

Primary iron overload is a genetic condition that cannot be cured.

Secondary iron overload is caused by medical conditions or treatments such as:

• Ingesting too much iron through your diet
• Blood transfusions
• Iron pills
• Iron injections
• Anemia
• Iron infusions

• Liver disease

• Long-term kidney dialysis.

Symptoms of iron overload include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat or fluttering heart
• Joint pain
• Stomach pain

• Weight loss
• “Iron fist”, enlargement and pain in the knuckles of the pointer and middle fingers

Having too much iron in your body can cause iron toxicity. This can damage many organs and cause:

• Heart arrhythmia
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Skin color changes (eg. more bronze or gray than usual)
• Cirrhosis of the liver

• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Spleen, gallbladder, thyroid, spleen, pituitary gland, or adrenal gland problems
• Reproductive issues such as early menopause or erectile dysfunction.

It’s important to seek treatment for iron overload, as this condition can be fatal.

What are the Types of FDA-approved Iron Infusions?

There are several types of FDA-approved iron infusions.⁸ To compare the types of infusions available, take a look at this table. Below, we discuss the types of iron infusions your doctor may prescribe.

How Much does an IV Iron Infusion Cost?

Iron infusions may cost anywhere between $400 to $4000. The final cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the dosage, type of iron used, and duration of treatment. The longer the course of treatment, the higher the cost. Also, insurance can have a significant impact on your expenses.

Should you Treat Anemia on Your Own?

It is not recommended for individuals to treat anemia with DIY methods. Low blood iron levels have many potential causes, so it’s important to be professionally screened and diagnosed to determine the exact cause and seek treatment accordingly.

It is also important to have professionally monitored treatment to prevent iron overload, intervene in the event of allergic reactions, and ensure your blood iron levels are where they need to be.

What are Alternatives to IV Iron Infusion?

Whether iron infusions are not your preference for any reason, or you want to know other ways you can restore normal iron levels, there are several other treatments to consider.

In-home vs In-clinic Iron Infusions

Infusions are traditionally administered at a clinic or hospital and are administered by a medical professional. However, in recent years, some concierge practices have started bringing iron infusions directly to patients’ homes.

Whether you get your treatment at a clinic or at home, you can expect the same process. The only difference is that for in-home treatment, your nurse will arrive at your location for your appointment with all the necessary equipment for your infusion.

In-home infusions have some advantages over traditional clinic settings, including:

• Treatments are convenient and help you save on gas prices and transit time to and from a clinic, especially for individuals who need ongoing treatment.
• In-home infusions make it easy for individuals with limited mobility to obtain the treatment they need.
• There is no risk of exposure to illnesses and viruses at a clinic.
• A single treatment session takes 2-4 hours, and multiple appointments are often necessary to correct iron-deficiency anemia. 

In-home infusions fit into your schedule, so you don’t have to take time off of work.

• If you work from home, you can work during your infusion. Otherwise, you can kick back, watch a show, read a book, or catch up with friends online.
• Concierge iron infusions offer personalized services and establish a relationship with patients, which helps boost confidence and morale.
• Telemedicine check-ins save you time and enable you to ask questions and get the answers you need quickly, without the need to make another appointment.

Last Words

From fatigue to weakness and even hair loss, low iron levels can cause a wide range of symptoms. Low iron levels can cause heart problems and other health issues if left untreated. Iron deficiency can often be corrected by making dietary changes or taking an oral supplement. However, absorption issues and certain medical conditions may require an iron infusion to correct low iron levels.

It’s important to only seek treatment for low iron levels in consultation with a medical professional. Iron deficiency may be caused by several factors, and lab tests and diagnostics must be performed, along with a full review of your medical history, to determine the exact cause and prescribe the correct treatment. Attempting to self-diagnose or self-treat anemia can cause iron toxicity, which may require urgent medical attention.

Iron infusions are safe, minimally invasive treatments that can be performed at clinics, hospitals, and at your home with an in-home IV infusion service. Treatments are administered by a licensed professional who will first give you a test dose to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to any ingredients in the infusion. Appointments typically take 3 – 4 hours per session. The exact number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and your body’s response to treatment.

Concierge iron infusions make it simple to get professional, personalized care in the convenience of your home. You can get back to feeling your best with the peace of mind that your health is in good hands.