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Surge in iron infusions prompts warning over serious side effect
Kate Russell ended up in ICU before she was diagnosed with hypophosphataemia. (Supplied: Kate Russell)
Recent data shows it is becoming more common as iron infusions surge in Australia, particularly among women of reproductive age.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is considering whether to follow the US and introduce a warning label to alert patients and healthcare professionals to the risk.
Kate Russell thought getting an iron infusion would help alleviate her fatigue, but she says the treatment instead led to a condition that landed her in an induced coma.
The 46-year-old said she was not warned about the potential risks and the 12 months since her admission to Toowoomba Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) had been "devastating".
AUDIO: Iron infusions on the rise in Australia as concerns grow over low phosphate risk
Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. (ABC: Emily Bryan)
Iron infusions have become far more common in Australia in recent years.
But a possible complication is raising questions about how well patients are being told of the risks.
A Queensland woman says her experience left her in intensive care, and there are calls for regulators to look at what's been done overseas.
Laura Tchilinguirian spoke to Dr Kieran Le Plastrier, a GP and assistant professor at Bond University, about the safety of iron infusions.
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