About 10 million people in the United States are deficient in iron. Half of them are considered to have iron deficiency anemia. 

Iron is a trace mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. When your levels get too low, there may be health consequences so it’s vital to keep them normal. 

People at risk of low iron include those who have recently experienced a large amount of blood loss, those who eat a diet low in iron, people who take certain medications, and individuals who are pregnant or have kidney failure.

If your levels dip, IV iron is one of the solutions to getting your numbers back where they need to be. If your doctor has recommended the treatment for you, you’re probably wondering what happens during an IV iron infusion. 

It’s always a good idea to know what to expect when you’re having medical treatments of any kind. Use this guide to help you understand the IV iron infusion process. 

Why Is Iron So Important?

Though iron is a trace element and only needed in small amounts, it’s still vital to your health. Men need 8 mg per day, while women should be getting 18 mg per day. 

Iron plays a role in hemoglobin production in your blood. This allows your blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to your organs, muscles, and tissue. 

The most common symptoms of low iron include weakness and fatigue. You may also have trouble concentrating, bruise easily and have cold hands and feet. Anxiety is another symptom of low iron levels.

There are a few ways to bring low iron back up. One is an IV iron infusion. Get the information you need about the process below. 

Preparing for IV Iron Treatment

With Nuvo You, you will receive your IV Iron treatment at our Medical Spa. This allows the iron to be delivered in a proper timeframe, both for safety and for effective results. 

Fortunately, you won’t have to do too much to be ready. The iron infusion process doesn’t require fasting so you can eat your meals as normal before you have the treatment.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. This makes it easier to insert the catheter that will deliver the iron. It also keeps you from being uncomfortable during the process. 

You also want to bring something to drink with you. Once hooked up to the IV, you will have to stay in place until it’s finished. You may also want to bring something to read or a tablet to watch television or a movie. 

If you’re nervous, talk to your doctor or nurse about things you can do to help you relax. 

During the Infusion

The first step to an IV infusion is to insert a catheter into a vein. This is usually done in your hand or inner elbow. The catheter is connected to the IV bag, which contains the iron solution. 

In some cases, you’ll get a test dose of iron before the infusion to be sure you don’t have any allergic or other adverse reactions to it. 

With Nuvo You, we run our IV Iron infusions over one hour, and monitor you for a half hour after. You will have to stay in place during the treatment. The iron is delivered slowly during this time to help prevent reactions to a large dose. 

The amount of iron you receive depends on your current levels and how much is required to get them back to normal. Some people will have to have more than one infusion to achieve optimal levels. 

After the Infusion

Once your iron infusion is complete, you can return to your normal activities right away. However, there are a few side effects and complications that you should be on the lookout for. 

You might experience headaches, changes in how you taste food, vomiting, nausea, muscle or joint pain, and shortness of breath. Other side effects include itching, rash, increased blood pressure, and swelling at the injection site. 

These are generally mild and don’t last for too long. If they persist, call your doctor to determine what you should do. 

Because iron is a trace element, it can be toxic in large amounts. Though rare, toxicity is a serious side effect from an infusion that you need to be aware of. 

If you experience shock, anaphylaxis, very low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or you collapse, you likely have too much iron in your blood. 

It’s a good idea to let loved ones know what to look for so that you can get help right away if this happens to you. 

Benefits of IV Iron

There are a few benefits of IV iron that makes it a better choice than capsules or tablets to increase your levels. The primary one being that it’s much quicker and more effective than pills or dietary changes. It also avoids a lot of the GI side effects that can happen with iron pills.

After the infusion, you may notice that you have more energy and can breath easier. Repeated infusions can help keep you feeling your best, even if you suffer from anemia.

An IV iron infusion is nearly painless, other than inserting the catheter. You can simply relax and allow the iron to drip into your body. It’s a simple and quick way to counteract low levels. 

Supporting the Results of Your Infusion

If you have fluctuating iron levels, it’s always a good idea to stay in close contact with your doctor. That way you can monitor for too much or too little.

One easy way to support your increased iron levels is to eat foods that contain iron. Do this under the guidance of your doctor to prevent toxicity.

Foods high in iron include liver, beef, mussels, oysters, and canned sardines. Chicken, turkey, and ham are other ideal options. 

Of course, you should also follow your doctor’s advice about future IV infusions as well as dosing for any medications you’re taking. 

What’s Next?

If your doctor has recommended IV iron, your next step is to schedule your infusion. This can be nerve-wracking, but the process is fairly easy and you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time. 

Let us help you get the most out of your IV iron infusion. We’re here to help you achieve all of your wellness goals.