Iron deficiency can cause multiple health problems and can require iron infusion treatment to compensate for the deficit. However, you may be unfamiliar and have many questions about iron infusions, such as:

• How will I feel after having an iron infusion?
• How soon will I feel better after an iron infusion?
• Are there any side effects?
• How will iron be infused into my body?

You don’t need to be anxious about iron infusion treatment because it’s safe and can substantially benefit your health. This article can help you gain more information about iron infusion treatment.

Types of Iron Infusion

Unlike oral iron pills, a trained professional must administer the iron infusion in a hospital. There are four main types of iron infusion:

• Iron Sucrose
• Iron Dextran
• Sodium Ferric Gluconate
• Ferumoxytol

Preparing for an Iron Infusion

Your doctor will ask you to stop taking the oral iron supplements a week before the iron infusion to ensure that your body absorbs the iron efficiently. All medications you are currently taking will be thoroughly monitored. Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may ask you to discontinue a few prescriptions for some time. If you feel nervous about your iron infusion, you can minimize any anxiety by discussing the procedure with your doctor beforehand.

How Do You Get Ready for the Infusion Session?

The same day preparation for iron infusion includes a detailed conversation with the doctor and following some simple steps:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep your schedule free
• Drink plenty of water and have sufficient drinking water available
• Wear comfortable clothes
• You can read a book, magazine or browse through your phone to keep yourself comfortable

During the Iron infusion

The iron infusion takes place in a hospital or hemodialysis center under the professional guidance of doctors and nurses. You will experience the following procedures during an iron infusion session:

• A catheter attached with a long tube is inserted into your vein.
• The iron is diluted in saline solution in the IV bag.
• The iron infusion will start as the fluid uses gravity to enter your vein slowly, or The solution may also be pumped into your veins.
• A test dose will be given to you to ensure that your body is adapting well to the iron intake.
• If there are no side effects, the process will continue.

Frequency of Iron Infusions

Generally, only one iron infusion session is sufficient to compensate for the iron deficiency. The anemia symptoms will start reducing as your blood iron levels start normalizing. However, iron infusions can take many weeks to reflect, and the process can be repeated if the underlying condition causes a low iron count again.

After the Iron Infusion Treatment

Most people return to their normal routine after a day of infusion. However, there can be a few sensations or side effects that can cause minor discomfort:

• Change in taste
• Abdominal cramping
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burning or painful sensation or inflammation at the injection site
• Reduced saliva
• Facial Flushing
• Dizziness

Iron infusions are a great way to minimize your body’s iron deficiency. Patients suffering from chronic renal diseases or undergoing oncology treatments might require iron infusion. If done by professionals, the procedure has minimal risks.

If you are looking for iron infusion treatment in Maryland and around, your search ends at Chesapeake Oncology-Hematology Associates (COHA). We offer sophisticated and effective cancer treatment options personalized as per your medical condition. We have a highly experienced team to handle the entire process. Contact us today to learn more about our iron infusion treatment and other cancer treatment services.

Also Read: What Should You Expect from an Iron Infusion Session