When your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make healthy red blood cells. Since red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body, you may feel the consequences if your iron levels are low. This condition is known as iron-deficiency anemia. If you have anemia, your doctor will look at different factors to determine the best course of treatment and in some cases, an iron infusion might be the right option. Recognizing Iron Deficiency Anemia A number of things can cause you to have low iron levels. It can occur as the result of blood loss, like from a woman’s monthly period, or from an increased need for iron within the body, as occurs during pregnancy. Not eating enough iron-rich foods or being unable to properly absorb iron, as seen with medical conditions like celiac disease, can also lead to anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia can range in severity. Signs and symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses. These include: Fatigue Shortness of breath Pale skin Cold extremities Weakness and dizziness Headache Racing heart rate Let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to avoid developing more serious complications down the line. Determining If You Are Candidate for an Iron Infusion Iron deficiency anemia can often be corrected by increasing the amount of iron in your diet and by taking oral iron supplements. However, there are some people who can’t take iron orally, such as: Those who can’t tolerate the side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and stomach pain. This may be even more problematic for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Those who can’t adequately absorb iron from the small intestine, like with celiac disease or patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. Those who need to replace iron quickly. Some patients with kidney disease or cancer who receive treatments known as erythropoiesis stimulating agents to help their bodies make more red blood cells. If you fall into one of these categories, an infusion of iron into a vein may be a better treatment option. Receiving an IV Iron Infusion If your doctor decides you should receive an iron infusion, you’ll need to go to a clinic or a hospital for the treatment. There are a few different formulations of IV iron that can be used- some allow for larger doses of iron to be given at one time, while others will need to be given in multiple doses every few weeks. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you. A small needle surrounded by a thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into your arm or hand. Once in the place, the needle will be removed, and the iron will be slowly infused into your vein. There is a very slight risk of having severe allergic reaction to iron, so a smaller test dose will often be administered prior to the first infusion. You’ll be monitored closely during this time for any complications. If you don’t have an adverse reaction, you’ll be able to begin your scheduled treatments. Iron infusions often take 3 to 4 hours to complete, and you’ll be under the observation of a health care provider during the whole process. Some side effects can occur but are usually mild. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following: Dizziness or lightheadedness Itchy skin or rash Muscle or joint pain Nausea or vomiting Headache The good news about iron infusions is they can improve your iron deficiency anemia in a relatively short period of time, as compared to dietary changes or oral supplements. Your doctor will continue to check your blood levels to make sure you stay in a safe range.