An essential mineral, iron helps a person’s body create red blood cells. When a person has iron deficiency, they may be diagnosed with anemia, which can cause mild symptoms, like fatigue or shortness of breath, or lead to serious complications.
An iron infusion is administered in-office through an intravenous catheter (IV). Typically, the infusion takes 15 – 30 minutes and it administers a significant iron dose. Iron infusion therapy offers effective and fast relief for the side effects and potential complications of anemia.
Because iron deficiency can be caused by several factors, simple lifestyle and diet changes may help return a person’s iron to a normal level. For others, they may be considering taking iron supplement pills. Iron replacement pills can cause nausea, heartburn, constipation and other gastrointestinal discomfort for some individuals, however. For those with severe iron deficiencies or those simply experiencing uncomfortable side effects from iron pills, receiving iron infusions can be a great option.
How long you will take iron infusions will depend on the cause and severity of your anemia. Some patients may correct their iron deficiency through one or a few infusions, sometimes even on the same day of treatment. Others may need to receive an iron infusion more regularly.
Our board-certified hematologists have unique expertise in blood disorders, offering comfortable in-office environments and advanced experience. Iron deficiency and anemia can be a complex condition to manage given that it is often caused by other diseases or conditions. As a part of Hattiesburg Clinic’s network of over 450 physicians and providers, we can coordinate your care with a variety of specialists, including your primary care doctor, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, OBGYNs, surgeons and more. Contact us today to learn more about iron infusions at Hattiesburg Clinic.