Health

15th April, 2024How quickly does an iron infusion work?

One question we receive regularly is: how long after an iron infusion will I feel better? It’s a fair question to ask, especially as most patients enquiring after iron infusions feel as if an iron infusion treatment is their final chance to improve their health.

What is an iron infusion treatment for?

Iron infusions are conducted to treat iron deficiency anaemia, which occurs when an individual’s iron levels drop below a certain threshold needed to support their body in everyday functions. When a person doesn’t have enough iron, their body doesn’t produce enough haemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. As a result, those suffering from an iron deficiency often experience symptoms of severe fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing and more.

To learn more about iron infusions at Carina Medical, visit our page here.

How do iron infusions work?

Iron infusions deliver iron directly into your bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) line, which is inserted into a vein in either your hand or arm. From here, the iron is slowly absorbed through your bloodstream, before delivering iron to your bone marrow to create haemoglobin and restore your body’s oxygen levels.

IV iron infusions aren’t the first solution for those with iron deficiency anaemia. Oral iron supplements are generally the first step to treating an iron deficiency. This form of iron supplementation works by providing a concentrated source of iron that is absorbed through the digestive tract – iron tablets. While this form of iron supplementation works for many iron-deficient individuals, there are cases in which an oral iron supplement is ineffective. If this is the case, then doctors will consider an intravenous iron infusion.

So, how long after my IV iron infusion will I feel better?

You’ll start to feel better any time from a few days up to several weeks after the infusion. This allows time for your body to learn how to absorb iron correctly and for your levels to increase. Some patients notice subtle improvements in their energy levels, stamina and overall well-being, however, this is completely dependent on your current health status and the severity of your deficiency.

But while you may not feel the physical effects of your infusion straight away, your infusion will initiate subtle changes in your immune system that may not be immediately apparent. This includes:

Enhanced immune cell production
Optimised antibody production
Balanced inflammatory response

During the initial few days and weeks that follow the infusion treatment, it’s important to be patient and allow your body the time it needs to utilise the infused iron effectively.

How many iron infusions do I need?

The amount of infusions you’ll need purely depends on your individual circumstances, including the severity of your iron deficiency, your response to the initial infusion, and your deficiency’s underlying cause. It’s not uncommon for a single infusion to effectively restore an individual’s iron stores, however, those with more severe deficiencies may need multiple infusions.

When you speak with a doctor to determine the cause of your deficiency and eligibility for treatment, they will be able to give you a better understanding of how the treatment will work for you.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take for an iron infusion to work? Put simply: you’ll notice changes in your body as soon as a few days, but typically after a few weeks.

It’s important to note that when it comes to iron infusions, it’s essential to meet with a doctor to ensure you meet the requirements and are eligible for intravenous iron infusions. Your eligibility will be determined through a blood test and other medical evaluations.

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