What
is this medicine for?
FERINJECT is an iron infusion — it replaces iron directly into your
bloodstream when iron tablets are not working, are not tolerated, or when your
iron needs to be corrected quickly. It is one of the most convenient iron
infusions available, as a single dose can replace a large amount of iron in
just 15 minutes.
It may be used for:
• Iron-deficiency anaemia when oral
iron tablets have failed or caused too many side effects
• Conditions that cause poor iron
absorption — such as Crohn's disease, colitis, or after weight loss surgery
• Kidney disease patients who cannot
absorb oral iron well
• Optimising iron levels before a
planned operation
• Heart failure patients with iron
deficiency
Doses:
Iron deficiency anemia treatment - >50kg give IV: 15 mg/kg
as a single dose; maximum dose: 1 g. <50kg: IV: 15 mg/kg once;
after ≥7 days, administer a second dose of 15 mg/kg once.
What
happens during the infusion?
• A small cannula (thin tube) is placed
into a vein — usually in your arm
• The iron solution is given directly
into the vein, usually over 15 minutes
• You will be observed for at least 30
minutes afterwards
• The maximum single dose is 1,000 mg;
most people need only 1–2 infusions
|
⚠️ TELL THE NURSE
IMMEDIATELY IF |
During the infusion, you feel unwell, short of breath, have a rash, feel faint, have chest
tightness, or notice pain or swelling at the drip site. These could be signs
of a reaction — the infusion will be stopped and you will be treated straight
away. |
What
side effects might I notice?
Common after the infusion:
• Nausea, headache, or dizziness —
usually mild and short-lived
• Flushing, low blood pressure, or a
slight temperature
• Soreness or discolouration at the
injection site
Important — phosphate levels:
FERINJECT can cause low phosphate levels in the blood, especially with
repeat infusions. This is why your doctor will check your blood tests before
and after treatment. If you feel muscle weakness or bone pain after an
infusion, tell your doctor.
Who
should NOT receive this infusion?
• People whose anaemia is not caused by
iron deficiency (e.g., vitamin B12 or folate deficiency)
• People with iron overload conditions
(e.g., haemochromatosis)
• People with a severe allergic
reaction to any iron infusion in the past
• People with an active infection —
wait until the infection is treated
• In the first 3 months of pregnancy
(unless necessary)
How
quickly will it work?
|
📈 What to expect |
Your haemoglobin
(blood count) usually starts rising within 1–2 weeks and improves
significantly by 4 weeks. Full replenishment of iron stores (shown by
ferritin levels) may take 6–8 weeks. A follow-up blood test will be arranged
to check your response. |
Frequently
Asked Questions
❓ Why can't I just take iron tablets instead?
Iron tablets are usually the first choice, but some people cannot
tolerate them (nausea, constipation), absorb them poorly (e.g., after stomach
surgery or with bowel disease), or need their iron corrected quickly before an
operation. In these situations, FERINJECT, given directly into a vein, is more
effective, faster, and better tolerated.
❓ Is it safe during pregnancy?
FERINJECT is generally avoided in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In the
second and third trimesters, it can be used if oral iron is not working and
there is a clear clinical need. Your obstetrician and doctor will guide this
decision together.
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