This review will consider the risks of currently available iron therapies. While there are many exciting new findings in the understanding and treatment of iron deficiency, physicians’ treatment practices may be based on old and out-of-date understanding and information, especially with regard to the safety of oral and intravenous iron therapy.
One of the most common conditions that physicians treat is iron deficiency anemia. Previous concerns about intravenous iron increasing the risk of infection or cardiovascular disease are unfounded. True anaphylaxis is very rare, but complement-mediated infusion reactions may be seen in up to 1 in every 200 patients. Intravenous iron is being used more frequently to replete iron stores. In addition, many patients will not respond to oral iron due to their underlying illness.
Oral iron is often poorly tolerated, with up to 70% or more of patients noting gastrointestinal issues this may affect adherence to therapy. As the adverse effects of iron deficiency are better recognized, the use of oral and intravenous iron has increased dramatically.
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