Iron Infusions
Ferinject (Ferric Carboxymaltose) is Dr Ryan’s intravenous iron of choice due to its low side effect profile, rapid administration, and ease of use.
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A Ferinject Rapid Iron Infusion is where iron (in the form of Ferric Carboxymaltose) is delivered directly into your vein over a period of 15 minutes.
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This iron is then immediately available to restore your body iron levels back to normal, and help the body to make more haemoglobin (if you are anaemic).
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Your levels will be checked 4 weeks after your infusion (a blood test slip will be given to you by Dr Ryan after the procedure).This is to check tht the dose of Ferinject given was enough to replace your iron levels back to normal.
Most patients only require one infusion to replace their iron levels. If you are anaemic, however, you will usually require another infusion. Dr Ryan will advise of this once she has seen your follow up blood tests.
You can eat and drink normally prior to and after a Ferinject Rapid Iron Infusion, and you can drive yourself to your appointment and home afterwards. (Unless you are also having a Gatroscopy and/or Colonoscopy)
Please note, because iron deficiency is often due to unrecognised gastrointestinal disease, Dr Ryan will only offer a Ferinject iron infusion to a patient after they have had an initial consultation.
What is Iron?
Iron is an essential element that the body needs. It is particularly important in the production of haemoglobin, a protein in Red Blood Cells. These cells help carry oxygen around your body.
What is Iron deficiency?
Iron levels are measured on a blood test called Iron Studies.
Iron deficiency is when your iron levels are low.
Iron deficiency anaemia, is when your iron levels are so low your body can no longer produce enough haemoglobin. This is because the body’s demand for iron outstrips its supply
Iron deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia are symptoms, not a disease, and are always due to an underlying cause such as
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Inadequate intake (vegetarians or vegans)
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Poor absorption (eg., Coeliac disease, Pernicious Anaemia)
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Excessive blood loss
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Menstrual
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Gastrointestinal (can be obvious or occult)
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Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can present with
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No symptoms (found incidentally on blood tests) or with
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Tiredness
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Shortness of Breath
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Mental Fatigue
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Restless Legs Syndrome
To name just a few.
For more information check out the “Take Iron Seriously” website https://www.takeironseriously.com/iron-deficiency/symptom-checker
Is an Iron Infusion right for me?
Iron levels can be increased by increasing your consumption or red meat (beef and lamb), or iron tablets.
However for some patients oral iron is not an option due to
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Side effects such as constipation and nausea
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Oral iron will not be absorbed (Coeliac Disease, or Pernicious Anaemia)
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A trial of oral iron did not increase the iron levels in the blood
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Oral Iron cannot keep up with ongoing blood loss (Heavy menstrual losses)
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Patients are anaemic and need their Haemoglobin levels increased quickly (to ease symptoms, and avoid the need for a blood transfusion)
Risks/Complications of Ferinject Rapid Iron Infusion
A Ferinject Rapid Iron Infusion is a common and safe procedure and is usually well tolerated. Dr Ryan has been using Ferinject since shortly after it became available in Australian, and orders XXXXXXX
Most patients tolerate a Ferinject Rapid Iron Infusion without any side effects.
Reactions to be aware of
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Post Infusion Reaction
This occurs in up to 5% of patients up to a week later
This is due to your body “reacting” to the iron.
It is not considered an allergic reaction, but if it was to occur/has occurred previously with Ferinject, Dr Ryan would recommend a different Intravenous form of Iron for your next infusion.
Flu-like symptoms can occur, including:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and pains
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Nausea, vomiting or Diarrhoea
Symptoms usually settle within a day, with rest, oral fluids and
paracetamol as needed.
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Hypophosphataemia (Low Phosphate Levels)
Occurs commonly post Ferinject Iron infusion, but does not usually cause symptoms (asymptomatic), nor require treatment.
If you develop ongoing or worsening fatigue, muscle or bone pain after your procedure, please contact Dr Ryan or your GP and have a blood test to check your Phosphate levels
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Iron Staining at Site of Infusion (Tattooing)
This is a rare side effect, which is easily avoided, and has never happened to any of Dr Ryan’s patients to date.
If the intravenous cannula is not inserted correctly, and it is laying under the skin, instead of inside a vein, when the drug is infused, it will deposit under the skin, causing a permanent tattoo.
To prevent tattooing, when your cannula is inserted, it is flushed with saline to ensure it is in the correct position and it is monitored carefully during the infusion, to ensure it does not dislodge.
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Allergic Reactions
With the older intravenous iron formulations, severe allergic reactions did occur, which is why they had to be infused slowly (sometimes taking up to 6 hours). Anaphylaxis to Ferinject is listed as rare.
If you have severe allergies, sometimes an antihistamine will be given before the infusion.
For more information on Ferinject (+Button)
Ferinject/CSL Vifor website
https://www.viforpharma.com/products/iron-products#
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Ferinject Patient Pamphlet[LS1]
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet for Ferinject
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Enquire Now Button
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In order for your consultaion with Dr Ryan, to be booked as soon as is possible, please follow the following instructions.
Alternatively please contact our Practice Manager Louise Taffe on
Phone: (07) 5391 1311
Email: info@drrebeccaryan.com.au
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Please upload a copy of your referral
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Complete patient registration information
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Please indicate your preferred location Drop down Menu with Robina Private Hospital Monday/Thursday, John Flynn Private Hospital Wednesday as options
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