Welcome to
The Iron Infusion Clinic

Determining whether iron infusion therapy is the appropriate treatment for your needs involves a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. These factors include your medical history, current health status, and importantly, the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

Before making a decision, your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests to assess your iron levels and overall blood health. This step is crucial to ensure that iron deficiency is indeed the cause of your symptoms and to determine the severity of the deficiency.

It’s essential to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences. This conversation is vital to ascertain if iron infusion therapy suits your specific health scenario. Your provider will consider various factors such as the effectiveness of previous treatments like oral iron supplements, your body’s ability to tolerate these supplements, and any underlying health conditions that might affect treatment options.

Your healthcare provider will also consider your symptoms’ severity, how quickly you need to increase your iron levels, and any previous adverse reactions to iron supplements. All these elements help in determining if iron infusion therapy is not just a viable option, but the right one for you, tailored to offer the most benefit with the least risk.

During your infusion appointment, your nurse will discuss the iron infusion treatment, ask some questions, go through the consent form with you and answer any questions you may have.

Prior to starting the infusion, your nurse will measure and record your heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. A cannula (small plastic tube) will then be inserted (via a needle) into a vein in your arm, and connected to a sterile bag containing the iron. Your nurse will will continue to monitor you, however we ask that you inform the nurse should you feel unwell or experience any side effects during the infusion.

You will also be monitored for any delayed reactions for 30 minutes after the infusion has finished. We ask that you inform the nurse if you feel unwell during this time. Following the 30 minute observation period, the cannula will be removed and you can go home.

An iron infusion is generally not considered painful, however some people may experience mild discomfort at the injection site. Some individuals may experience minor bruising or tenderness where the needle was inserted.

In Australia there are several types of iron infusion formulations available. Each type has its specific indications, dosage requirements, and administration protocols, which are determined based on the patient’s individual health needs and medical history. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider which iron infusion is most appropriate for their condition.

The Iron Infusion Clinic accepts referrals for the two most commonly prescribed iron formulations. The other types are typically administered in an inpatient (in hospital) setting.

The number of iron infusions needed will vary from person to person and will depend on the severity of the iron deficiency. Your GP or Specialist will determine your dosage based on your blood test results and weight. For most patients, a single infusion or a series of two infusions spread over 2 weeks will be enough to correct the deficiency. 

In some cases, the cause of the deficiency may persist, meaning a person may require regular infusions to maintain health iron levels. It is important for patients to closely follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments with their GP or Specialist to assess how well their iron levels are being restored.

The iron infusion will take 15 to 30 minutes, however please allow 60 minutes in total for your appointment as there is a 30 minute observation period post infusion.

Hydration: It is important to be well hydrated prior to your iron infusion, we recommend to drink 2 to 3 glasses of water prior to your appointment. Staying well hydrated will help your nurse locate a suitable vein. 

Clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable, layered, loose-fitting clothing. If you are wearing long sleeves, they will  need to be loose enough to be pushed up above your elbow. 

You are not required to fast before your infusion, and you can take your normal medications prior to an iron infusion. Iron tablets / liquid however should be stopped 7 days before. 

Ensure that you advise your nurse if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are taking any medications or herbal supplements
• Have any liver conditions
• Have experienced excess iron levels in the past
• Are feeling unwell or have an infection
• Have been taking oral iron supplements
• Have had an anaphylactic reaction to an iron infusion in the past
• If you have heart or kidney failure
• Have had multiple iron infusions in the past 12 months

Please cease oral iron supplements (tablets or liquid) a week before your iron infusion. 

Your referring GP or Specialist will likely wish to see you again for follow up blood tests 2 to 4 weeks after your iron infusion, therefore please contact your GP or Specialist to determine whether an appointment is required. 

Yes. We require all patients who receive an iron infusion to wait within the clinic for 30 minutes following their infusion so that we can monitor any potential side effects. Following this period, you will be able to drive home.

We recommend to bring:

• An electronic device, book or magazine to keep you entertained during the treatment (WiFi available). Please bring headphones if you wish to listen to music or watch a movie etc.
• A cardigan or blanket to provide warmth if required

No, you do not need to fast before your iron infusion. Eat all your regular meals and continue taking your regular medication.

Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your iron infusion.

Iron staining is a potential risk of an iron infusion. It occurs when the iron solution leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue during the infusion process, which can result in a brownish stain to the skin around the injection site and arm. While iron staining is uncommon, it can be long-lasting or permanent. 

Before the infusion, we educate our patients on what to expect and encourage them to inform us immediately if they feel any discomfort or burning sensation at the infusion site, which can be an early sign of infiltration.

At The Iron Infusion Clinic, we take several measures to minimise the risk of iron staining. By taking these precautions, we strive to provide a safe and effective treatment experience.

As with all medicines and medical procedures, there are risks and complications associated with iron infusions. Risks include, but are not limited to:

The most common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Flu like symptoms
• Flushes
• Nausea
• Bruising or skin reaction at the infusion site

Uncommon side effects include:

• Skin staining (see above)
• Stomach upsets
• Temporary changes in taste – some people experience a metallic taste
• Changes in your blood pressure
• Changes in your pulse
• Muscle or joint pains, backache and muscle cramps
• Tiredness, chills, chest pain, swelling, pins and needles, high temperature, itching, rash
• Shortness of breath

In more severe cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to an iron infusion, resulting in anaphylaxis. The medical staff who are monitoring you throughout your infusion will pay close attention to your blood pressure, pulse and your blood oxygen levels in order to ascertain whether your body is reacting adversely to the iron. If you begin to experience any chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling after leaving the clinic, you must seek medical attention immediately.

Managing iron levels is crucial during pregnancy due to the increased demand for iron, both for the baby’s growth and development and to support the significant expansion of the mother’s blood volume. Many women may experience low iron levels during this time, necessitating iron supplementation. For those in their second and third trimesters, iron infusions are considered a safe and effective method to restore iron levels and support a healthy pregnancy.

The time it takes for an iron infusion to take effect can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the iron deficiency, the individual’s overall health, and their rate of iron absorption. Generally, patients may start to feel improvement in symptoms such as fatigue and weakness within a few days to a few weeks after receiving an iron infusion. However, the full benefits of the infusion, such as complete restoration of iron stores and normalisation of haemoglobin levels, might take a bit longer—typically from 4 to 6 weeks.

For some individuals, especially those with significant anaemia or chronic health conditions, it might take multiple infusions and a longer period to see complete results. It is important to attend regular follow-ups with your referring GP or specialist to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.