Overview

An intravenous (IV) iron infusion is a way of giving a liquid iron preparation directly into your bloodstream through a drip in your arm. It’s sometimes used instead of iron tablets, to increase your iron levels more quickly.

Why iron is important

Iron helps your body make haemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs around your body. Your body needs oxygen to function effectively.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA)

The most common cause of anaemia in the UK is a lack of iron. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

The main causes of IDA are:

• blood loss – for example, from having heavy periods, stomach ulcers, or after having surgery
• inflammation, which can make it harder for your body to absorb iron – for example, inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic infections
• malabsorption (where your body does not fully absorb nutrients) and diet – this can be caused by medicine side effects, or if you've had part of your gut removed

Who can have IV iron infusion

You can usually treat IDA by including more iron in your diet or by taking iron tablets.

We might recommend IV iron infusion instead if:

• your body cannot absorb iron from food or tablets
• you need to increase your iron levels quickly, for example before surgery