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IV Iron Infusions

For Iron-Deficiency Anemia

What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) develops when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, and tissues and organs don’t get the oxygen they need to function well.

IDA is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. It can result from inadequate dietary iron, poor absorption (as with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease), chronic blood loss (heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding), pregnancy, or increased iron demands from rapid growth or high-intensity training.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia can be subtle at first and often develop gradually, including:

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Headaches
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Brittle nails or hair loss
  • Restless legs
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Unusual cravings to chew ice or non-food items (pica)

Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed with bloodwork, not on symptoms alone — typically hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation.

Who Could Benefit from an IV Iron Infusion?

IV iron is generally considered for patients who have confirmed iron deficiency (with or without anemia) and who have not been able to tolerate or respond adequately to oral iron supplements. This includes patients who:

  • Have tried oral iron but experienced side effects such as nausea, constipation, or stomach upset
  • Have a condition that limits how well the gut absorbs oral iron (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or a history of bariatric/gastric surgery)
  • Have ongoing blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding or chronic GI bleeding) that oral iron can’t keep pace with
  • Need iron levels corrected more quickly than oral supplementation allows — for example, before surgery, or due to significant symptoms
  • Have chronic kidney disease or another condition associated with impaired iron regulation
  • Are pregnant and unable to tolerate oral iron (with physician guidance)

A referral and recent bloodwork are required so our physicians can confirm that IV iron is appropriate and determine the right dose.

What Is Monoferric?

Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) is the IV iron product used at our clinic. It’s a modern iron replacement therapy that allows a full therapeutic dose of iron to be given in a single visit, rather than requiring multiple appointments. Monoferric is bound to a carbohydrate shell that releases iron gradually into the body, which is designed to reduce the risk of the reactions associated with older IV iron formulations.

Dosing is individualized based on body weight and the degree of iron deficiency, and typically falls into one of three standard doses (500 mg, 1000 mg, or 1500 mg). Your referring provider or one of our physicians will determine the right dose for you based on your bloodwork.

As with any medication, Monoferric carries some risk of side effects or allergic reaction, which is why infusions are given in a clinical setting with monitoring.

What to Expect: The Infusion Process

  1. Referral and review — Your doctor or nurse practitioner submits a referral along with recent bloodwork (hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation). One of our physicians reviews it to confirm IV iron is appropriate and to select a dose.
  2. Booking — Our clinic contacts you to schedule your infusion appointment.
  3. The infusion visit — You’ll be seated comfortably while a small IV line is placed, usually in the arm. The Monoferric infusion is given slowly, typically over about 20–60 minutes.
  4. Monitoring — You’ll be monitored by our clinical team throughout the infusion and for a short period afterward to watch for any reaction.
  5. After your infusion — Most people can resume normal activities the same day. It can take several weeks for hemoglobin and iron stores to fully respond, and your provider may recheck bloodwork to confirm the infusion worked.

There is no infusion fee at our clinic. Patients are responsible for the cost of the medication and infusion supplies.

How to Get Referred

If you think you or your patient may benefit from an IV iron infusion, ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to complete our IV Iron Infusion Referral Form and fax it to our clinic along with recent bloodwork.

This information is provided for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out whether an IV iron infusion is right for you.