Intravenous iron: Safe administration

Iron deficiency is common in Australia, but one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in primary care.

The clinical consequences of iron deficiency can be significant and include impaired immune function, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cognitive and intellectual impairment in children.

Treatment choices are influenced by the severity of the deficiency and the presence of comorbidities. Iron supplementation is always required in cases of frank iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

Iron deficiency anaemia > Iron supplementation > Treatment choices

Oral iron therapy is an effective first-line strategy for most patients with iron deficiency anaemia.

However, parenteral iron is used when oral therapy has failed or is contraindicated, or when rapid iron replacement is required.

Intramuscular (IM) iron should be avoided as it is painful, usually requires multiple treatments, and is no safer than intravenous (IV) iron. Current non-dextran formulations of IV iron have good safety profiles, and serious adverse reactions are very rare.

Iron polymaltose is only recommended for use in hospitals, while ferric carboxymaltose can be used in both hospital and primary care settings.

This module covers the rationale for, and practice of giving, IV iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency anaemia.

This module is one of three modules related to iron deficiency. They are linked and it is recommended that participants undertake all three modules:

Iron deficiency anaemia in adults

Iron deficiency anaemia in children

Intravenous Iron - safe administration