Treatments
There are many types of treatments used to care for patients with cancer, blood disorders or chronic medical conditions. Some conditions involve a combination of therapies to provide the most effective treatment and there is often individual variances. Below is an overview of treatments offered at our day hospital.
You have been advised to have an Iron Infusion because you have been found to have low levels of iron in your body and your doctor believes that Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) is an appropriate treatment for you
Iron is an essential element required for the oxygen-carrying capacity of haemaglobin in red blood cells and muscle tissue
Iron is also involved in many other functions necessary for maintenance of life in the human body
If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough health oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells due to iron deficiency is known as iron deficiency anaemia
Iron replacement therapy is used to replenish your body’s iron stores and treat iron deficiency anaemia
FAQ’s
What is Ferinject?
Ferinject is an intravenous iron replacement treatment for patients who have low levels of iron in their body. Ferinject in not a blood product.
How does Ferinject work?
Ferinject containes iron in the form of many tiny particles of iron with sugar coating. This means that the iron is released steadily and is taken up by appropriate storage sites and used in your body. Iron is required by the red cells in your body to make haemaglobin. Haemaglobin is required to help carry oxygen and provide it to tissues in your body.
How is Ferinject administered?
Intravenous iron is injected into a vein in your arm through a cannula or needle. Ferinject is infused over approximately 15minutes.
What possible side effects might I experience?
As with all medicines, Ferinject can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Your doctor will discuss possible side effects with you and we will monitor how you are feeling while your treatment is being given.
There is more information on possible side effects in the Ferinject CMI, please ask your health care professional for a copy.
When will I feel better?
The time taken for your haemaglobin levels to improve is different for everyone. It will depend on how iron deficient and anaemic you are and how efficient your bone marrow is at making new red blood cells.
How much does it cost?
For the majority of patients with private health insurance there will only be an excess payable, unless they have had a hospital admission this calendar year, in which case the service will be at no charge. We also offer very competitive rates for self-insured patients.
Our clinics also offer FREE ONSITE PARKING for our patients for the entirety of their treatment.
We will also offer you food and beverages to enjoy during your appointment.
How do I organise my infusion?
Your doctor will need to send a referral to one of our Haematologists. Upon receiving your referral, our friendly administration team will contact you to arrange a date and time that suits you. You can also contact our clinic for more information or to schedule your infusion.
A venesection is the collection of up to 450rnl of blood at regular intervals. This is necessary to reduce the total body iron load in patients with haemochromatosis, or to reduce the thickness of blood in patients with some other medical conditions.
Your doctor will determine how often you will require venesection or other blood tests that may be required to check your iron stores and liver function.
How is a Venesection performed ?
A needle is inserted into a large vein at the front of your elbow (cubital fossa) and blood is allowed to flow by gravity into a blood collection bag. This entire process will usually
between 15 — 30 minutes.
Common side effects of a Venesection:
Although side effects of a venesection are uncommon, they may include :
* Dizziness
* Fainting
* Anxiety
* Drop in blood pressure
* Bruising at the needle insertion site
Risks associated with having a Venesection:
Potential adverse effects following a venesection are rare, but still possible They may include:
* Infection at the site of the needle insertion
* Injury to the surrounding nerve artery that lie close to the vein used for venesection
Patient preparation:
On the day of the procedure, please eat as normal, drink extra fluids (water) and take your routine medications.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with access to both arms.
Please let your doctor know, prior to your procedure, if you are on any blood thinning or diuretic tablets.
Please inform staff as soon as you feel dizzy or pain, or feel a pins needles sensation during the procedure.
Post Venesection care:
Prior to leaving the Clinic, please ensure you have done the following:
* Had something to eat
* Drunk at least 2 full glasses of water
* Booked in your next venesection appointment
Please leave the compression bandage intact for 30 minutes post procedure and avoid vigorous exercise for a few hours.
Please ensure you have read the above information and discussed any concerns with your doctor prior to signing your blood product consent form and proceeding with treatment.
If you have any concerns please contact your treating doctor or nurse.
Why am I having an Iron Infusion?
You have been advised to have an Iron Infusion because you have been found to have low levels of iron in your body and your doctor believes that Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) is an appropriate treatment for you
Iron is an essential element required for the oxygen-carrying capacity of haemaglobin in red blood cells and muscle tissue
Iron is also involved in many other functions necessary for maintenance of life in the human body
If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough health oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells due to iron deficiency is known as iron deficiency anaemia
Iron replacement therapy is used to replenish your body’s iron stores and treat iron deficiency anaemia
FAQ’s
WHAT IS FERINJECT?
Ferinject is an intravenous iron replacement treatment for patients who have low levels of iron in their body. Ferinject in not a blood product.
HOW DOES FERINJECT WORK?
Ferinject containes iron in the form of many tiny particles of iron with sugar coating. This means that the iron is released steadily and is taken up by appropriate storage sites and used in your body. Iron is required by the red cells in your body to make haemaglobin. Haemaglobin is required to help carry oxygen and provide it to tissues in your body.
HOW IS FERINJECT GIVEN?
Intravenous iron is injected into a vein in your arm through a cannula or needle. Ferinject is infused over approximately 15minutes.
WHAT POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS MIGHT YOU EXPERIENCE?
As with all medicines, Ferinject can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Your doctor will discuss possible side effects with you and we will monitor how you are feeling while your treatment is being given.
There is more information on possible side effects in the Ferinject CMI, please ask your health care professional for a copy.
WHEN WILL I FEEL BETTER?
The time taken for your haemaglobin levels to improve is different for everyone. It will depend on how iron deficient and anaemic you are and how efficient your bone marrow is at making new red blood cells.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
For the majority of patients with private health insurance there will only be an excess payable, unless they have had a hospital admission this calendar year, in which case the service will be at no charge. We also offer very competitive rates for self-insured patients.
Our clinics also offer FREE ONSITE PARKING for our patients for the entirety of their treatment.
We will also offer you food and beverages to enjoy during your appointment.
HOW DO I ORGANISE MY INFUSION?
Your doctor will need to send a referral to one of our Haematologists. Upon receiving your referral, our friendly administration team will contact you to arrange a date and time that suits you. You can also contact our clinic for more information or to schedule your infusion.
Questions and Answers
What is a Venesection ?
A venesection is the collection of up to 450rnl of blood at regular intervals. This is necessary to reduce the total body iron load in patients with haemochromatosis, or to reduce the
thickness of blood in patients with some other medical conditions.
Your doctor will determine how often you will require venesection or other blood tests that
may be required to check your iron stores and liver function.
How is a Venesection Performed ?
A needle is inserted into a large vein at the front of your elbow (cubital fossa) and blood is allowed to flow by gravity into a blood collection bag. This entire process will usually
between 15 — 30 minutes.
Common Side Effects of a Venesection.
Although side effects of a venesection are uncommon, they may include :
* Dizziness
* Fainting
* Anxiety
* Drop in blood pressure
* Bruising at the needle insertion site
Risks Associated with having a Venesection.
Potential adverse effects following a venesection are rare, but still possible They may include:
* Infection at the site of the needle insertion
* Injury to the surrounding nerve artery that lie close to the vein used for venesection
Patient Preparation.
On the day of the procedure, please eat as normal, drink extra fluids (water) and take your routine medications.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with access to both arms.
Please let your doctor know, prior to your procedure, if you are on any blood thinning or diuretic tablets.
Please inform staff as soon as you feel dizzy or pain, or feel a pins needles sensation during the procedure.
Post Venesection Care.
Prior to leaving the Clinic, please ensure you have done the following
* Eaten
* Drunk at least 2 full glasses of water
* Please leave the compression bandage intact for 30 minutes post procedure and avoid vigorous exercise for a few hours.
* Please ensure you have made your next venesection appointment prior to leaving
Please contact your treating doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.
Please ensure you have read the above information and discussed any concerns with your doctor prior to signing your blood product consent form and proceeding with treatment.
