An iron infusion is a medical procedure in which a combination of iron and saline solution is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. It is used to treat iron deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, and chronic kidney disease. Iron infusions are recommended when oral iron supplementation fails to adequately restore iron and hemoglobin levels in the blood. The intravenous method is a fast and effective way of delivering iron throughout the body, used as iron can be administered instantly rather than gradually over time.

During an iron infusion, a healthcare provider will clean the area where the IV will go into the skin on your arm or hand, put a needle into the vein they select, and then remove the needle, leaving the catheter in your vein. The iron is then delivered through the vein with an IV drip. Iron infusions may take up to several hours, whereas iron injections deliver a whole dose immediately.

Iron infusions are usually prescribed by doctors to treat iron deficiency anemia when oral iron supplements are not effective or cannot be taken. They are also used when gastrointestinal absorption is poor or when an urgent increase in hemoglobin levels is required for severely anemic patients. Iron infusions allow iron levels in the body to go up much faster than oral iron supplements and are useful for people who have very low iron levels.

Iron infusions may cause side effects, including rare but serious allergic reactions. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about any possible side effects.