27th May 2023

Iron therapy

The speed of response to oral iron depends on the Hb deficit and the presence of continued blood loss, but at least 3 months of treatment after recovery of Hb is needed to restore body stores. Due to side effects like constipation, tolerance may be variable and lower doses may need to be considered for more protracted periods. IV iron may be used in patients intolerant of oral iron or in patients with anaemia of chronic disease where response to oral iron may be poorer. With newer preparations now available, IV iron prescription has become much safer, but is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, chronic liver disease or in acute or chronic infection.