Question:
Iron Infusion- What can I expect?

My PCP has ordered an iron infusion. I will have it this Thursday and Friday. The nurse said that it would take about a total of ten hours (1,200mgs?). So it will be done over two days. How did you feel after? How long until you feel your energy level go up? Did you have any negative side effects? My ferritin has dropped to 12. I really hope that infusion will help. Thanks for your input    — Allison M. (posted on August 16, 2005)

August 17, 2005
That is a lot to be infused in 5 hours each day. Pay real close attention to how you are feeling as you can have problems from iron infusions. I've had them done twice. Four days for each series. I was infused 250mg's or whatever the unit is, per day over 4 hours. So for a total of 1000mgs? it took minimum 16 hours. It actually took longer because they start it out slower at first to see how you react etc. I'd really question your doc if he truly wants it infused at 120mgs per hour. That is about twice what mine was done at. I had no problems with the infusions. Basically watched tv or slept. They just put an iv in your arm and start the drip. It has solved my anemia. It fixed it the first series but then I had more PS after that. The 2nd series was done in Feb and I'm able to maintain what level I achieved after that infusion. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

August 18, 2005
I had an Iron infusion back in 1987. It should not be give fast. YOu need to start out very slow to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. YOu should also be on a cardiac monitor and they should monitor you blood pressure. It should also be given over about a 4 hour period. If you start to feel funny, get cold, any kind of feeling that you don't usually have let them know asap. They might have to lower the rate for a while and then up the rate again. By the way I am a nurse and read everthing I could get my hands on before I had mine. I would not let them do it IV push. I have seen some docs do that. The risk is to great. I hope you do good. Louise
   — Louise A.

August 28, 2005
Tomorrow will be my sixth infusion. I get one a day for ten days. the infusion lasts approx. 30 min. My ferratin level was three. I also get procrit once/week/
   — michelle R.

September 5, 2005
I am two years post op and have received iv iron twice it takes a few weeks i fine before i dont feel as tired and drained just wanting to sleep. I take iron tablets, vit b12 subling. and protein, walk excercise. My blood work is done every three months. I did have a bone marrow biopsy which showed i had no iron. After the biopsy is when i had my second iv iron infusion.
   — francine E.