How does iron therapy work?

Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Oral iron supplements pass through the digestive system and are absorbed into the bloodstream. An infusion delivers iron through a vein when tablets are unsuitable, not tolerated or need to be avoided because absorption is limited. As iron becomes available, the bone marrow can produce healthier red blood cells and replenish stored iron.

Iron deficiency can cause tiredness, reduced stamina, headaches or breathlessness, but these symptoms have other possible causes. Blood tests help identify anaemia and guide treatment. During pregnancy, the dose and route should be chosen with maternity care, especially if anaemia is significant or treatment is not improving the blood results.

Take tablets exactly as prescribed and do not double a missed dose unless your clinician tells you to. Nausea, constipation, stomach discomfort and darker stools can occur with oral iron; report troublesome effects so the plan can be adjusted. Keep iron away from children. Attend repeat blood tests when arranged, because feeling better does not show whether iron stores are fully restored. Tell the team about other medicines, digestive conditions and previous reactions to infusions.

Contact your clinician if symptoms continue, side effects prevent you taking tablets, or blood results do not improve as expected. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, wheezing, severe dizziness or collapse after an iron dose or infusion. In pregnancy, urgent assessment is also needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or heavy bleeding.

Ask which type of iron is suitable, how to take it with your other medicines, when blood tests will be repeated, how side effects can be managed, and whether an infusion is appropriate.