Frequently asked questions
What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin.The most common reason for developing anaemia is not having enough iron.Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It captures oxygen from the lungs and carries it around the body.A key ingredient used to make haemoglobin is iron. If there isn’t enough iron stored in the body, the amount of haemoglobin drops. When haemoglobin reaches a low level, less oxygen can be carried in the blood.
What are symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?
This can cause symptoms such as:
Heart Palpitations
Chest Pain
Tiredness
Weakness
Breathlessness
Dizziness
Headache
Irritability
Why do I have a deficiency?
There are several reasons why you might not have enough iron in your body:You may not get enough iron if your diet is low in iron, your gut doesn’t absorb it well, your iron needs are higher than your intake (such as when your baby draws iron from you during pregnancy), or you lose iron through bleeding like heavy periods or certain medical conditions. More than one of these causes can occur at the same time, especially during pregnancy.
How is it diagnosed?
Anaemia can be detected by a simple blood test.
As anaemia is so common in pregnancy, your GP will routinely check your haemoglobin levels.
As anaemia is so common in pregnancy, your GP will routinely check your haemoglobin levels.
How is anaemia treated?
Iron in Your DietA balanced diet is vital to ensure you receive enough iron. The most easily absorbed iron comes from red meat, fish, and poultry, with vegetarian options including lentils, fortified cereals, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
Vitamin C, found in orange juice and other fruits and vegetables, helps your body absorb iron. Avoid tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods (milk, dairy products, some seeds, pulses, vegetables, and many multivitamins) around meals or when taking iron tablets, as they reduce absorption.
Iron TabletsOral iron tablets effectively replace the iron needed for haemoglobin levels to rise. Some also include folic acid and Vitamin C to support absorption. The recommended treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is ferrous sulphate tablets. For best results, take with orange juice (or another Vitamin C drink) one hour before meals. Your midwife or doctor will advise on dosage and alternatives.
Vitamin C, found in orange juice and other fruits and vegetables, helps your body absorb iron. Avoid tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods (milk, dairy products, some seeds, pulses, vegetables, and many multivitamins) around meals or when taking iron tablets, as they reduce absorption.
Iron TabletsOral iron tablets effectively replace the iron needed for haemoglobin levels to rise. Some also include folic acid and Vitamin C to support absorption. The recommended treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is ferrous sulphate tablets. For best results, take with orange juice (or another Vitamin C drink) one hour before meals. Your midwife or doctor will advise on dosage and alternatives.
What is Ferinject©?
Ferinject© treats iron deficiency when oral iron is ineffective or unsuitable. It replenishes iron stores, corrects anaemia, and is used when rapid iron delivery is needed. A blood test will determine your required dose.
Before AdministrationDo not receive Ferinject© if you are allergic to ferric carboxymaltose or its ingredients, have non–iron deficiency anaemia, iron overload, or problems using iron.Tell your doctor if you are under 14, have infections, asthma, eczema, allergies, liver issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have low phosphate levels.
Intravenous iron can rarely cause severe allergic reactions, including chest pain, tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.
How It’s GivenFerinject© may be administered undiluted by injection, during haemodialysis, or diluted by infusion. You can receive up to 20 mL (1000 mg iron) once a week directly into the vein. Your doctor determines dose, method, and treatment duration, and may reassess after 4 weeks. You’ll be observed for about 30 minutes after each administration in a clinical setting equipped for emergency care.
Possible Side EffectsCommon side effects include headache, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, injection/infusion site reactions, and low blood phosphate levels.
DisclaimerRere Ora Infusion Clinic is an independent healthcare provider and is not affiliated with the manufacturer of Ferinject©. The clinic administers Ferinject© as part of its services, but product-related inquiries should be directed to the manufacturer. For service information, contact Rere Ora Infusion Clinic using the “Send Us a Message” form below.
Before AdministrationDo not receive Ferinject© if you are allergic to ferric carboxymaltose or its ingredients, have non–iron deficiency anaemia, iron overload, or problems using iron.Tell your doctor if you are under 14, have infections, asthma, eczema, allergies, liver issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have low phosphate levels.
Intravenous iron can rarely cause severe allergic reactions, including chest pain, tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.
How It’s GivenFerinject© may be administered undiluted by injection, during haemodialysis, or diluted by infusion. You can receive up to 20 mL (1000 mg iron) once a week directly into the vein. Your doctor determines dose, method, and treatment duration, and may reassess after 4 weeks. You’ll be observed for about 30 minutes after each administration in a clinical setting equipped for emergency care.
Possible Side EffectsCommon side effects include headache, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, injection/infusion site reactions, and low blood phosphate levels.
DisclaimerRere Ora Infusion Clinic is an independent healthcare provider and is not affiliated with the manufacturer of Ferinject©. The clinic administers Ferinject© as part of its services, but product-related inquiries should be directed to the manufacturer. For service information, contact Rere Ora Infusion Clinic using the “Send Us a Message” form below.