TAGLINE HERE

Iron Infusion Clinics

What is an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion is a medical treatment used to deliver iron directly into your bloodstream through a vein. It is typically recommended when your body’s iron levels are too low and oral iron supplements are either ineffective or not well tolerated. Iron is an essential mineral that your body needs to make haemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.


What is an Iron Infusion Clinic?

An Iron Infusion Clinic is a specialised facility within a general practice, hospital, or day clinic where patients receive intravenous iron therapy under the supervision of a professional medical team. These clinics are designed to ensure safe, comfortable, and efficient delivery of the treatment in a monitored setting.


Who is Suitable for Iron Infusions?

Iron infusions are recommended for individuals who:

  • Have iron deficiency anaemia: especially if it’s moderate to severe.
  • Cannot tolerate oral iron supplements: due to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or constipation.
  • Have absorption problems: such as in coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or after gastric surgery.
  • Need rapid iron replacement: for example, pre-surgery, during pregnancy, or after blood loss.
  • Have chronic diseases: such as kidney disease, heart failure, or cancer, where long-term iron deficiency is common.


Benefits of Iron Infusions

The main benefits include:

  • Rapid restoration of iron stores: Often noticeable within a few days to a few weeks.
  • Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue: Especially in patients who have felt tired or short of breath due to anaemia.
  • No gastrointestinal side effects: Unlike oral iron tablets, which can upset the stomach.
  • Longer-lasting effect: Some formulations can restore iron levels with just one or two treatments.
  • Safe for pregnancy: Iron infusions are commonly used during the second and third trimesters if needed.


Types of Iron Used in Infusions

Iron infusions may use different formulations. The most common types in Australia include:

  • Ferric Carboxymaltose (Ferinject): Often completed in 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Iron Polymaltose (Ferrum H): Typically takes longer (up to several hours) and may require observation.
  • Iron Sucrose (Venofer): Requires multiple smaller infusions.


The choice of formulation depends on your medical needs, availability, and any prior reactions to iron treatments.


Iron Infusion

What is an Iron Infusion?

Iron infusion is a medical procedure in which iron is administered to the body through an intravenous (IV) injection. It is typically used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce enough haemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen in the blood. Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.


Since the approval of a new iron formulation called FerInject to be covered by Medicare in eligible patients, more and more people have chosen to give iron intravenously.


Unlike previous formulations that must be diluted and administered slowly over 6-7 hours, the new preparation FerInject can be administered over 15 minutes.


No sedation is involved, and you can drive back to work after the infusion. The advantages of an iron infusion include the immediate boost in iron stores and the avoidance of common side effects of oral iron (constipation).


Liquid iron can be expensive if taken for an extended period (often months).


Who is Suitable for Iron Infusion?

Iron infusion is typically recommended for individuals with iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Individuals who may be more likely to develop iron-deficiency anaemia include:

  • Women with heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders that affect iron absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease
  • Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery
  • Individuals with blood loss from chronic kidney disease or cancer


What are the Benefits of Iron Infusion?

The benefits of iron infusion include the following:

  • Increased production of haemoglobin and red blood cells, which can improve oxygenation to the body's tissues and organs
  • Relief of symptoms associated with anaemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath
  • Improved quality of life


What are the Types of Iron Infusion?

There are two main types of iron infusions:

  • Iron dextran: This is a form of iron bound to a sugar molecule and is considered a slow-release form of iron. Iron dextran is typically used in patients with severe anaemia who need a large amount of iron quickly.
  • Iron sucrose is a form of iron bound to a sucrose molecule and is considered a slow-release form of iron. Iron sucrose is typically used in patients with chronic kidney disease.


Oral iron supplements are usually the first line of treatment for iron deficiency anaemia. Still, in cases where oral supplements are not effective or well tolerated, iron infusion may be necessary.


Iron Infusion Procedure

After being admitted by nursing staff and baseline observations have been taken (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation),

  • The doctor will insert a cannula into a small vein in the arm or back of the hand.
  • Your nurse will then connect a medication line to the cannula containing 20 mL of Iron solution (corresponding to 1g of Iron).
  • The infusion will commence once you are comfortable and will take approximately 15 minutes.
  • Once the infusion is complete, the medication line will be flushed with saline, disconnected, and removed just before discharge.
  • Repeat observations will be taken upon completion of the infusion, and you will be discharged shortly after when deemed safe by your nurse.


Following your Iron infusion, you may:

  • Eat and drink your regular diet
  • Drive a vehicle
  • Return to work


Side Effects of Iron Infusion

Iron infusions are usually well-tolerated, but some patients may experience minor side effects, such as chills, fever, headache, or flushing. More severe side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, inflammation of the vein, or chest pain. The patient will be monitored for adverse reactions during and after the infusion.


What is the Cost of the Iron Infusion?

Our infusion fee covers the cost of the medicine, the infusion treatment, the doctor’s fees and all associated fees.


If you have private health insurance, you can obtain a total rebate depending on your coverage level. For more information about the refund or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic, and one of our friendly receptionists will be happy to assist you.


Vitamin Infusion

What is a Vitamin Infusion?

Vitamin infusion is a medical procedure in which vitamins are administered to the body through an intravenous (IV) injection. It is typically used to treat deficiencies of specific vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, etc., or to provide high doses of vitamins that are not well absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.


Intravenous Vitamin Infusion is an upcoming alternative therapy mode popularised by athletes, celebrities and famous personalities.


Who is Suitable for Vitamin Infusion?

Vitamin infusions may be recommended for individuals with deficiencies in specific vitamins or those who have difficulty absorbing vitamins through the gastrointestinal tract. Some examples of conditions that may make an individual a candidate for vitamin infusion include:

  • Malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Cancer
  • Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery
  • Individuals who have a high risk of developing a deficiency, such as pregnant women or individuals with a history of alcohol abuse


What are the Benefits of Vitamin Infusion?

The benefits of vitamin infusions include:

  • Rapid replenishment of specific vitamin levels in the body
  • Relief of symptoms associated with vitamin deficiencies, such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain
  • Improved overall health and well-being


What are the Types of Vitamin Infusion?

There are many types of vitamin infusions available; some of the most common include:

  • Vitamin C Infusion: It is used to boost the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body.
  • Vitamin B Infusion: It treats deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and B complex. It can treat various conditions, such as anaemia, fatigue, and nerve damage, and boost energy levels.
  • Vitamin D Infusion: It treats Vitamin D deficiency, which can cause weak bones and muscles, fatigue and depression.
  • Glutathione Infusion: It is an antioxidant that can help boost the immune system, detoxify the liver, and improve skin health.


Vitamin infusions should be done under the supervision of a doctor, and the procedure may vary depending on the type of vitamin infusion, the patient's condition, and the facility's protocol. Additionally, vitamin infusions should only be administered when prescribed by a doctor.


Why is Intravenous Vitamin Infusion Required?

Intravenous Vitamin Infusion is required to maximise the nutrients available by bypassing the digestive system.

Each infusion is custom-designed to meet the needs and requirements of every individual, enabling them to reach their maximum potential every day.


Preparation Before Intravenous Vitamin Infusion

Intravenous Vitamin Infusion can be performed as an outpatient procedure by clinics.

To determine the best outcome, the individual should be adequately counselled to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.


A comprehensive history and physical examination should be conducted to assess suitability for the procedure, which may include laboratory tests. This information enables the staff to determine the optimal combination of vitamins and minerals to administer for the best results.


Vitamin Infusion Procedure

Intravenous Vitamin Infusion surgery is performed as a walk-in procedure. The steps include:

  • A small IV catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, through which the vitamin infusion will be administered.
  • The vitamin solution, a mixture of different vitamins and minerals, is administered through the IV for 30-60 minutes.
  • The patient is monitored for any adverse reactions or complications during the infusion.


What To Expect After Vitamin Infusion?

After the infusion, the patient's vital signs will be monitored, and any adverse reactions will be treated. The patient will be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the vitamins out of the body and to follow up with the healthcare provider to check the vitamin levels in the blood.


Patients experience a revitalised freshness and energy boost within minutes of infusion, lasting for a few hours or more.


Vitamin Infusion Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, vitamin infusion therapy can have risks and potential complications, including:

  • Infection: risk of infection at the site of the IV infusion
  • Allergic reactions: reaction to the vitamins or solution being infused, including itching, hives, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure
  • Overdose: receiving too much of a particular vitamin can lead to toxicity
  • Interactions with medications: Vitamin infusions can interact with other medicines and cause unintended effects
  • Fluid overload: receiving too much fluid too quickly can lead to fluid buildup in the body


Discuss vitamin infusion therapy's potential risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.


Phlebotomy

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, or blood donations. Phlebotomists are trained healthcare professionals who perform this procedure.


Iron infusion

Before an iron infusion is given, blood may be drawn from a patient. This is done to test the patient's iron levels, which helps determine the amount of iron to administer and monitor the patient's response to the infusion. The phlebotomist collects and prepares the blood sample for laboratory testing.


Vitamin Infusion

Phlebotomy may be performed before the vitamin infusion to check the patient's vital signs, electrolyte levels, and other relevant parameters. The phlebotomist collects and prepares the blood sample for laboratory testing.


Phlebotomy Risks

Common risks include bleeding, infection, and fainting or dizziness. These risks can be minimised by properly sterilising equipment and adequately training the phlebotomist.


Phlebotomy Procedure

The procedure for phlebotomy typically involves the following steps:

  • The patient's identification is verified, and any necessary consent is obtained.
  • The patient's vital signs are taken and recorded.
  • The site for blood collection is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  • A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to make the veins more visible and easier to access.
  • A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the crook of the arm.
  • Blood is collected into a tube or bag.
  • The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop bleeding.
  • The patient is observed for any adverse reactions or complications.


When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a GP or specialist if you experience:

  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness
  • Pale skin or shortness of breath
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Digestive issues causing malabsorption
  • A known chronic illness affecting nutrition



A simple blood test can determine whether you’re iron deficient and whether an iron infusion is suitable for you.