Is iron therapy done with iron supplement?

Oral iron supplements provide iron through the digestive system and are often taken for a planned course. They can cause nausea, constipation, stomach discomfort or darker stools. An intravenous infusion delivers iron into a vein and may be discussed when oral treatment causes troublesome effects, is not absorbed well, or the body needs iron replenished more promptly. The choice depends on blood-test results, symptoms, the suspected cause of low iron and other health conditions. Iron treatment works best when the underlying reason for deficiency is also assessed.

Take oral iron exactly as directed and do not double a missed dose unless your clinician tells you to. Ask how to space it from medicines or supplements that interfere with absorption. Keep iron away from children. For an infusion, tell the clinic about previous reactions and remain for the observation period they recommend. Do not start, stop or switch preparations without advice. Read [Iron Supplement](/materials/iron-supplement/) and [Iron Therapy](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/iron-therapy/).

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting or a widespread reaction after an iron dose or infusion. Contact your clinician about persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, inability to pass stool, or symptoms of ongoing blood loss such as worsening weakness or breathlessness. Follow-up blood tests may be needed to check whether treatment is working and whether another cause needs attention.

Ask which form suits you, how long the course is expected to last, how to manage digestive effects, when blood tests should be repeated and what may be causing your low iron.