Severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) will increase patient's hospitalization rate, cardiovascular disease, mortality rate and influence the life quality. Thus, iron supplement is crucial for patients receiving hemodialysis. However, the non-fatal adverse events caused by iron injection such as hypotension, skin itching, urticaria and gastrointestinal upset often result in patients' refusal of iron supplement. This article aimed at the causes of IDA in patients on hemodialysis, the indications of iron supplement, the choices of parental iron preparations, dosing, precautions and adverse effects. Moreover, the administration technique and nursing information were reviewed in this article, and we hope these provide helpful information for physicians and nursing staffs in clinical practice.