Iron Infusions

Oral iron not for you? We’ve got you covered.

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Iron Infusions Brighton

At Newbay Medical Clinic, we’re proud to bring you the quality care you deserve every time you come through our door. As a team of well-rounded, informed, and reassuring medical professionals, we understand that having adequate iron levels is vital to your everyday wellbeing. However, we also get that not everybody can tolerate oral iron tablets. In these cases, iron infusions can be an excellent way to receive the iron you need quickly, safely, and effectively.

Our caring team are here to provide iron infusions to as many people in the Bayside local communities as possible including suburbs such as Bentleigh, Caulfield South, Elwood, Gardenvale, Hampton & Sandringham.

What is an Iron Infusion?

Iron is a mineral in your blood that helps blood to carry oxygen through your body. And considering how crucial oxygen is to our daily lives, we want to ensure everybody has enough iron to carry them through their day! In most cases, oral iron supplements can remedy low iron levels, but not everybody can tolerate these tablets well. Introducing: Iron infusions!

During an iron infusion, iron is given directly through a vein via an IV. This is called intravenous (IV) iron. For this procedure, we mix iron with a saline solution and (gently!) place a needle or cannula in your arm or back of your hand. The iron solution will then travel directly to your iron stores, increasing your iron levels.

Is an Iron Infusion Right For Me?

You may be suitable for an iron infusion if you:

Can’t tolerate oral iron due to side effects
Are unable to absorb oral iron
Have ongoing blood loss where oral iron can’t keep up with your needs
Need iron quickly, for example before major surgery or during pregnancy
Are receiving EPO hormonal treatment

Why Do I Need Iron?

An iron infusion procedure restores the amount of iron in your blood to within normal limits. Adequate levels of iron offer benefits such as:

Breathing Easier

Iron helps to carry oxygen through your body, meaning more air for your lungs to use.

Have More Energy

Low iron can leave you feeling tired and fatigued, which nobody needs!

Maintain Healthy Cells

Healthy cells not only help you to feel your best, but also look your best as they help with your skin, hair, and nails.

Keep You Steady

Inadequate iron levels can make you feel dizzy and off-balance due to a lack of oxygen in the red blood cells.

Improved Immune System

Sufficient iron helps the immune system function well, which helps fight infection.

Keep You Warm

Low iron levels can make you more sensitive to the cold— no more teeth chattering!

Your Iron Infusion Questions Answered

Am I suitable for an iron infusion?

To discuss your suitability for an iron infusion, please book an initial appointment with one of our GPs. We’ll arrange for your procedure if you’re deemed suitable for an iron infusion. We perform a blood test to determine the appropriateness of an iron infusion and the dose required prior to administration.

How long does an iron infusion take?

The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes, and we allow an additional 30 minutes to monitor you afterwards for any possible allergic reactions. Please allow at least one hour for your iron infusion.

What are the possible side effects of an iron infusion?

Around one in ten patients may experience flu-like symptoms following their infusion, such as muscle aches, mild fever, or a headache. Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis are rare but serious side effects, which is why we monitor you afterwards and have qualified staff on hand to manage this if necessary.

At Newbay Medical Clinic, all our doctors are trained in the use of IV cannulas in the delivery of iron infusions. Despite the best practice insertion of the IV cannula and administration of the iron infusion, paravenous leakage can occur leading to a permanent brown stain on the skin. Please discuss this with your doctor prior to your procedure.

How do I prepare for an iron infusion?

Just by going about your normal day! Fasting isn’t required, so make sure you eat as you usually would, and take any medications you normally take.

Can I drive home afterwards?

Most patients drive themselves home following an iron infusion, and can resume their normal daily activities. However, if you experience an unexpected reaction, you will need somebody to take you home.

How long will it take to feel better after an iron infusion?

While the levels of iron in your blood improve immediately, it can take up to two weeks before you start to notice a difference in your energy and overall wellbeing.

How much does an iron infusion cost?

As part of our cost transparency model of care, please find below a breakdown of costs associated with an iron infusion at Newbay Medical Clinic:

Initial consult: $46 gap
Ferinject, which will need to be purchased from the chemist prior to the procedure: approximately $41.50 (correct at time of writing as per local chemist’s website)
Procedure: $169.20 gap

Why do i need an iron infusion?

An iron infusion is given to help increase the amount of iron in your blood. Low levels of iron can potentially cause anemia, which is a condition that causes you to feel tired and weak. Some people simply have iron deficiencies and low energy as a result. An infusion is a way to get iron into your system quickly.

Are iron infusions safe during pregnancy?

Yes, iron infusions are considered safe during pregnancy. Low levels of iron can cause problems for both the mother and the developing baby, so it is important to make sure that your iron levels are adequate during pregnancy.

Where to get iron infusion near me?

If you’re in Brighton or the Bayside area, we can look after your iron infusion right here at our clinic! We often perform iron infusions to residents of Bentleigh, Caulfield South, Elwood, Gardenvale, Hampton and Sandringham.

How many iron infusions do you need?

This depends on individual circumstances. Some people may only require one infusion, while others may need a series of infusions over a period of time. Your doctor will be able to advise you on how many infusions you may need.

Why Choose Us?

At Newbay Medical Clinic, we pride ourselves on our quality and timely service and our ability to help you feel as comfortable as possible. We understand that visiting the doctor can be a stressful experience for many reasons, and we aim to make you feel welcomed and cared for every time you come through our door (or phone line, or website!). Our approachability helps us to stand out from the crowd, so you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns with any of our caring, experienced, and knowledgeable staff.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re unable to tolerate oral iron, an iron infusion may be just what you need to help you feel like your best self. At Newbay Medical Clinic, our welcoming and caring staff are highly trained in the use of IV cannulas, delivering iron infusions to those who need them. To discuss your suitability for an iron infusion, please contact our friendly and experienced team today.