A Ferinject Infusion is an iron infusion that uses the medicine Ferinject. Ferinject contains iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose and is an alternative to oral iron supplements. Iron infusions are intravenous iron therapy that are used for several reasons as outlined below.
Here at The Clinic, we provide our patients with Ferinject Infusions when medically indicated. Read on to learn more about Ferinject through the following topics:
Read through this article in full to learn about Ferinject iron infusions, or click a heading above to skip ahead to an area of interest.
When are Ferinject Infusions recommended?
If you’re showing signs of iron deficiency, your GP will refer you for an iron studies blood test. The blood test is a simple procedure and the results typically come back within a few days.
Based on your blood tests results, within the context of your general health, your GP may recommend that you increase your iron levels.
This can be done through:
Dietary changes
Iron supplements
A Ferinject iron infusion
Your doctor may recommend a Ferinject infusion if oral iron supplements are ineffective or too harsh on your body, or if you are in need of increasing your iron stores quickly.
Your doctor will discuss the options with you and what they believe to be the best option for you.
How is Ferinject administered?
During a Ferinject infusion, an intravenous drip administers the medicine directly into your blood and is a quicker alternative to older types of intravenous iron medicines which can take much longer.
Typically, a Ferinject infusion takes twenty to thirty minutes, plus another ten minutes for preparation and you will be required to stay for another thirty minutes after the infusion for monitoring for side effects. You can learn more about the process in our article: iron infusions: what to expect
Ferinject side effects
Your doctor will discuss possible side effects and obtain consent before infusion. During the Ferinject infusion, a doctor or nurse will monitor you; please notify your doctor or nurse if you feel unwell or if you experience any side effects during your treatment. You can go home thirty minutes after your treatment if you have shown no signs of side effects.
What are Ferinject side effects? They include:
Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, or injection site reactions such as pain or swelling.
Less Common Side Effects: Low blood pressure, flushing, or skin rash.
Rare but Serious Side Effects: Allergic reactions, including shortness of breath or swelling (anaphylaxis).
Always consult your GP to discuss potential risks and side effects specific to your health condition. After an iron infusion, you are typically required to stay in the facility for up to thirty minutes for monitoring. During this time, should you experience side effects, promptly inform your medical team. If you experience any adverse reactions after you leave, seek immediate medical attention.
What are the risks of Ferinject?
As with all medical procedures, Ferinject carries some level of risk. Your GP will discuss the risks with you so you can make an informed decision on whether the procedure is right for you.
Ferinject risks may include:
Mild Side Effects: Headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle pain.
Allergic Reactions: Itching, rash, or in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Iron Overload: Excess iron levels if infusions are not carefully monitored.
Injection Site Reactions: Pain, swelling, or discolouration/staining at the infusion site.
Low Blood Pressure: Temporary drop in blood pressure during or after the procedure.
Always discuss potential risks with your GP to determine if an iron infusion is appropriate for you.
Ferinject staining
One potential risk of an iron infusion that we find most people are concerned about is staining at the injection site, which occurs if iron leaks into the surrounding tissue during or after the infusion. This can lead to brown, grey, or rust coloured discolouration of the skin. This staining can be temporary, or, in some cases, permanent.. Careful administration by a trained GP can help to minimise this risk. Though a trained professional minimises the risk of staining occurring, it doesn’t mitigate the risk completely. If the risk of staining is particularly worrying for you, please discuss with your doctor in more detail.
If you notice any discomfort, swelling, or changes at the injection site during or after the infusion, notify your GP or seek medical attention immediately.
How long does Ferinject take to work
You may notice a difference within 2 weeks of your Ferinject infusion, but it takes 4-6 weeks for the results of the infusion to stabilise.
After six weeks, your doctor will ask you to do a follow-up blood test to check your iron stores. If your iron stores are still low, you may need further tests, or you may receive a referral to a specialist for additional investigations.
For more information on iron infusions, read our articles what is an iron infusion and iron infusions: what to expect.
Why is iron important?
So, now you know why doctors may recommend ferinject infusions, but do you know why iron is so important?
Iron is a mineral that is vital to human life as red blood cells and muscle tissue requires it for its oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin. Iron deficiency occurs if your body does not have enough iron stores and hence, your body can only make fewer red blood cells. This means your body has less haemoglobin which can cause anaemia. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia.
How to book a Ferinject Infusion
First, you’ll need an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms. If deemed necessary, you’ll complete an iron studies blood test. From there, your GP will discuss your results with you, if you need iron supplementation and you can decide together which method is best for you. From there, you can book an Ferinject appointment with your GP.
Here at The Clinic, we perform Ferinject infusions. If you wish to discuss further with one of our doctors, please book an appointment online or call us on 03 9741 1200.
Commentaires