There are many causes of Iron Deficiency which may require further investigation by your GP or Nurse Practitioner.
Iron deficiency can cause lethargy, fatigue and in more severe cases, anaemia which can cause a pale complexion, dizziness, shortness of breath and a reduced physical capacity. In pregnancy, iron deficiency can cause restricted foetal growth. There are three ways iron levels can be replenished; orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously.
Oral iron has the advantage of being cost-effective but is limited by side effects, poor compliance, poor absorption, slow effect, and low efficacy.
Intramuscular iron is relatively slow and requires multiple injections over a period which can cause discomfort as well as permanent stains on the overlying skin.
Iron by infusion allows for rapid restoration of the body’s healthy iron levels. Most side effects are minor and disappear within a few days, this may include: nausea, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, low phosphate levels & muscle or joint aches or pains, shortness of breath, and burning sensation at the injection site. IV iron may be recommended to treat iron deficiency in patients who do not absorb iron well from the food they digest, patients with severe iron deficiency, patients with chronic blood loss, and patients who are receiving blood-building drugs or hormones.
