IV Iron Infusions for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Overview
What are Intravenous Iron Infusions?
Fereheme, Injectafer and Infed
Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are too low, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency may occur due to:
- Poor dietary intake of iron
- Reduced absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
- Chronic blood loss
- Iron deficiency anemia is commonly seen in patients with:
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Cancer
- Women’s health–related blood loss
Why IV Iron Is Used Instead of Oral Iron
Traditionally, iron deficiency has been treated with oral iron-containing tablets but these are sometimes not well absorbed and take a long time to have an effect. Nowadays, there are several iron preparations that can be injected into veins (intravenously). Soluble iron salts, injected into veins, would be toxic, so the iron has to be converted to safer forms. All forms of iron treatment work by providing the iron needed for making red blood cells.
Fereheme
About Fereheme
Generic names: Ferumoxytol.
Formulation: Iron oxide is coated with a layer of carbohydrate to create nanoparticles (microscopically small particles). These are gradually broken down to release the iron.
Possible side effects of ferumoxytol:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Constipation
- Peripheral edema, such as ankle swelling
Allergic reactions are possible. Iron in the bloodstream after treatment may temporarily interfere with MRI scans. A potential long-term risk is iron overload.
Injectafer
About Injectafer
Generic name: Iron carboxymaltose
Formulation: Iron carboxymaltose consists of iron oxide combined with the sugar molecule carboxymaltose, allowing controlled iron release.
Possible side effects of iron carboxymaltose:
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Flushing
- Headache
- Low phosphate levels in the blood
- Allergic reactions
Infed
About Infed
Generic name: Iron dextran
Formulation: Iron dextran is formulated by binding iron oxide to dextran polymers, which allow for intravenous administration.
Possible side effects of iron dextran:
- Allergic reactions
- Severe drops in blood pressure
Some patients experience delayed reactions 1–2 days after treatment, including:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint or muscle pain
