Both treat iron deficiency but delivery method, speed, and side effects differ — choice depends on deficiency severity and patient condition.
Oral Iron Tablets:
- Advantages: Easy, cheap, available without prescription.
- Disadvantages: Slow absorption (only 10-15%). Nausea, constipation, stomach pain common. Black stool color (normal). Takes 3-6 months to fill stores. Affected by food and tea.
- Suitable for: Mild-moderate deficiency, no GI issues.
IV Iron Infusion (Ferinject):
- Advantages: One large dose (1000 mg). 100% absorption. Much faster results (days). No GI side effects. Ideal for those who can't tolerate tablets.
- Disadvantages: Requires clinic visit. More expensive than tablets. Rarely: allergic reaction (0.1%).
- Suitable for: Severe deficiency, tablet failure, GI diseases, pregnancy, pre-surgery.
When We Prefer IV:
Ferritin below 15, hemoglobin below 9, tablet intolerance, bowel disease patient, need for quick results.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we provide IV iron sessions (Ferinject) in-clinic under full medical supervision.