Intravenous (IV) iron is administered to treat iron deficiency and/or iron deficiency anaemia, and where IV  iron is considered the most appropriate treatment for your clinical circumstances.

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Reasons IV iron may be recommended include:

☐ Oral iron has not been effective.

☐ Oral iron has caused unacceptable side effects.

☐ Iron stores require rapid replacement.

☐ Ongoing blood loss.

☐ Pregnancy (where clinically appropriate).

☐ Chronic kidney disease.

☐ Inflammatory bowel disease.

☐ Heart failure.

☐ Planned surgery.

☐ Other

 

EXPECTED BENEFITS

Intravenous iron may:

☐ Increase iron stores.

☐ Improve haemoglobin.

☐ Reduce symptoms of iron deficiency.

☐ Improve fatigue.

☐ Improve exercise tolerance.

☐ Reduce dizziness.

☐ Improve cognitive function.

☐ Reduce the need for blood transfusion.

☐ Improve quality of life.

I understand that individual responses vary and improvement may take several weeks.

 

ALTERNATIVES

Alternative treatment options discussed include:

☐ Oral iron therapy.

☐ Dietary modification.

☐ Observation.

☐ Blood transfusion (where clinically appropriate).

☐ No treatment.

I understand why the infusion has been recommended.

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HOW IS IV IRON GIVEN?

Iron is administered through a small intravenous cannula placed into a vein.

The infusion generally takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the iron preparation used.

I understand that:

☐ A cannula will be inserted.

☐ My observations may be monitored.

☐ I may be observed after treatment.

☐ The infusion may be slowed or stopped if a reaction occurs.

 

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects include:

☐ Temporary metallic taste

☐ Headache

☐ Flushing

☐ Nausea

☐ Mild dizziness

☐ Injection site discomfort

☐ Temporary blood pressure changes

☐ Muscle aches

☐ Joint aches

☐ Fever

☐ Fatigue

These side effects are usually temporary.

 

LESS COMMON RISKS

Less common complications include:

☐ Allergic reaction

☐ Infusion reaction

☐ Phlebitis

☐ Bruising

☐ Infection

☐ Extravasation

☐ Delayed muscle or joint pain

☐ Temporary rash

☐ Itching

☐ Urticaria

 

SERIOUS RISKS

Although uncommon, serious complications may occur including:

☐ Severe allergic reaction

☐ Anaphylaxis

☐ Severe hypotension

☐ Collapse

☐ Hospital admission

☐ Rarely, life-threatening complications

Emergency treatment may become necessary.

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IMPORTANT IRON-SPECIFIC RISKS

EXTRAVASATION

Iron may occasionally leak outside the vein during administration.

This is known as extravasation.

It may cause:

☐ Pain

☐ Swelling

☐ Skin irritation

☐ Tissue inflammation

☐ Permanent brown skin staining

☐ Cosmetic skin discolouration

☐ Rare tissue injury

I understand permanent staining may occur despite appropriate clinical care and may not be reversible.

 

HYPOPHOSPHATAEMIA

Some intravenous iron preparations, particularly ferric carboxymaltose, may reduce blood phosphate levels.

Most patients experience no symptoms.

Rarely, significant hypophosphataemia may cause:

☐ Muscle weakness

☐ Bone pain

☐ Fatigue

☐ Fractures

☐ Osteomalacia following repeated treatment

I understand my clinician may recommend blood tests if repeated iron infusions are required.

 

PREGNANCY

I understand:

☐ Iron is generally avoided during the first trimester unless clinically necessary.

☐ Pregnancy status should be disclosed before treatment.

☐ I have informed my treating clinician if I may be pregnant.

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I understand that:

☐ Iron studies are usually repeated after treatment.

☐ Additional iron infusions may be required.

☐ My treating clinician will determine ongoing treatment.

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PATIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that:

☐ My diagnosis has been explained.

☐ The reason intravenous iron has been recommended has been explained.

☐ The expected benefits have been discussed.

☐ Reasonable alternatives have been discussed.

☐ I understand the common side effects.

☐ I understand the material risks.

☐ I understand the risk of permanent skin staining if iron leaks outside the vein.

☐ I understand the possibility of hypophosphataemia.

☐ I understand that allergic reactions and anaphylaxis may occur.

☐ I understand emergency treatment may become necessary.

☐ I understand that no treatment outcome can be guaranteed.

☐ I have had sufficient opportunity to ask questions.

☐ My questions have been answered.

☐ I understand I may withdraw my consent before treatment commences.