Iron infusions

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Iron infusions at High Street Medical Clinic

Our bodies need iron, it is used to make haemoglobin – the part of our red blood cells that carries oxygen around our body. Iron is also important for muscle strength, energy and good mental function.

If your iron levels are low this may make you feel tired and not able to do normal daily activities. General symptoms exhibited with low iron stores are tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy. Dizziness, light-headedness, and poor concentration can also occur along with other symptoms.

Before an iron infusion is performed, blood tests will be requested so as to determine the dosage of iron you will receive during the infusion.

Ferinject is an intravenous solution that is used in the treatment of iron deficiency conditions. Iron is an essential element required by the body for its oxygen-carrying properties, and it plays an important role in many other vital processes in the body. This solution is used when oral supplements and/or iron injections are ineffective or cannot be used. The aim is to replenish iron stores and to correct anaemia.

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FAQs

  • Fasting for the procedure is not required
  • Continue to take your regular medication
  • You can drive home after the infusion and resume usual duties (unless there are expected reactions)
  • If you are given a script, please have this filled and bring it with you to your infusion appointment (It may be worthwhile to check with your pharmacy that they stock the Ferinject)
  • You will have an IV (Intravenous line) cannula injected, please wear warm clothes, that have loose arms.
  • Feel free to bring along a book, iPad etc., to keep you occupied during your infusion – generally you will be at the clinic 1-2 hours.
  • You will be monitored during the procedure by nurses who check: Blood pressure, temperature, pulse and breathing rates.
  • As with all medications, there is a risk of side effects.
  • The most common side effect is headache.
  • Other common side effects, which are generally minor, include:
    • Dizziness (1%)
    • Nausea (3%)
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhoea
    • Skin rash
    • Local reaction to the infusion site (redness, slight swelling)
    • Some patients report a metallic taste in their mouth
    • A ‘cold’ feeling may also be experienced in your arm at the site of the IV insertion.
  • Risks of severe allergic reactions are very low
  • Please tell the doctors and/or nurses if you are feeling unwell or any of the side effects
  • You will be asked to wait in the practice for 30 minutes following the infusion
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High Street Medical Centre acknowledges the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past, present and future, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We value their ongoing contribution to the cultural heritage of this land.

 

 

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