At a glance

• Already assessed? Call the practice to arrange or confirm your infusion appointment.
• Not yet assessed? Book a GP consultation first so your clinician can review whether intravenous iron is appropriate.
• Bring an up-to-date medication and allergy list and follow your clinician's individual instructions.

Before your appointment

• Bring an up-to-date medication and allergy list.
• Tell the practice about previous reactions to intravenous iron or other infusions.
• Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
• Allow enough time for administration and observation after the infusion.

During the infusion

• A clinician confirms relevant information and consent.
• A cannula is inserted into a vein and iron is given intravenously.
• Staff monitor you during administration and may observe you afterwards.
• The time required can vary by preparation, dose and practice arrangements.

Afterwards and common effects

Improvement may not be immediate. Some people experience headache, nausea, tiredness, muscle or joint aches, a mild fever or changes in taste over the next day or two. Contact the practice if symptoms persist, worsen or concern you. Tell staff immediately about pain, burning, swelling or leakage around the cannula because iron leakage can cause long-lasting or permanent skin staining.

Skin-staining warning: Skin staining can occur if iron leaks outside the vein. Tell staff straight away about pain, burning, swelling, pressure, discomfort or leakage around the cannula.

When to contact the practice

• Persistent or worsening symptoms after the infusion.
• Significant rash or itching.
• Increasing pain, swelling or discolouration around the cannula site.
• Persistent muscle weakness, bone pain, or marked or prolonged fatigue.
• Concerns about follow-up tests or any reaction or symptom you are unsure about.

Call 000

Call 000 for severe difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, collapse or loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, or another severe or rapidly worsening reaction.

Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.

Follow-up

• Arrange the repeat blood tests or review recommended by your treating clinician.
• An infusion replenishes iron but may not resolve why the deficiency occurred. Further investigation or treatment depends on your symptoms, results and underlying cause.