Ferinject (Iron injection/infusion)

Ferinject (Iron injection/infusion)

Introduction

You have been given this leaflet because a recent blood test showed you have low iron levels. We recommend that you have an injection of Ferinject® to increase your iron levels.

What is Ferinject®?

• It is a medicine that contains iron and is given to you via a drip into your vein
• It is not a blood product
• It does not have the risks of blood (although is not risk free, see below)
• It can be used instead of blood in cases where there is no ongoing bleeding, and you are otherwise well

Why have I been advised to have Ferinject®?

• Your blood tests show you do not have enough iron in your red blood cells
• Oral iron tablets have not worked, or you are unable to take them because of severe side effects
• You asked for alternative treatment when we advised a blood transfusion

When is Ferinject® not suitable?

• When you have been told you have ‘iron overload’ or have severe liver problems
• When you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to other injectable iron preparations
• If you have anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to ingredients in Ferinject®
• Ferinject® is not usually given in the first 3 months of pregnancy

What are the side effects of Ferinject®?

Common (more than 1/100 but fewer than 1/10 patients)

Uncommon (more than 1/1,000 but fewer than 1/100 patients)

Rare (more than 1/10,000 but fewer than 1/1,000 patients)

Headache Dizziness High blood pressure Nausea Injection site reaction Extravasation – temporary skin staining Low phosphate

Change in taste sensation Upset stomach Flushing, fast heart rate, low blood pressure Muscle and joint pains, backache and muscle cramps Tiredness, chills, chest pain, swelling, pins and needles Itching and a rash Extravasation – permanent skin staining

General feeling of discomfort Anxiety, faint, wheeze Excessive wind ( flatulence) Rapid swelling of face, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing Flu-like illness

   Breastfeeding is safe because very little Ferinject® crosses into the breast milk.

Skin discolouration (extravasation)

In some cases, there is a risk of the iron leaking outside the vein. This is called extravasation. This could lead to the long-lasting brown staining of the skin and possible irritation at the site of administration. The time it takes for the staining to go away depends on how much of the drug leaks. Sometimes the staining may be permanent. If you notice any discolouration or pain during infusion, let the nurse, doctor or midwife know immediately. The infusion can be stopped, and you can be assessed.

How is Ferinject® given?

Ferinject® is given in the hospital.

Before starting the treatment, the health professional will place an arm band cuff and a small probe on your finger. This will check your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation level, breathing and temperature.

A thin tube (drip) will be put into your vein (with the use of a cannula needle) and the Ferinject® infusion will be given through an infusion pump. The health professional will reassess you after the drip has finished.

If you are pregnant, the midwife will listen to your baby’s heartbeat for 1 minute before the infusion commences. Your baby’s heartrate will then be monitored throughout the infusion for a minimum of 20 minutes. The midwife will observe your response to the Ferinject® before allowing you to go home. The treatment does not affect your ability to drive.

After the Ferinject® treatment?

You might feel a little tired the next day. Your urine may also have a darker colour.

Your symptoms of low iron levels are likely to get better within a few days. So, you should feel less tired and dizzy and be less short of breath.

If you have been prescribed iron tablets as well, it is recommended to start these 5 days after the Ferinject® treatment

If you have any questions after reading this information, please let your midwife or doctor know.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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