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If you suspect you may be iron deficient or would like to know more about iron infusions, please book online or call 07 3398 8188 for a thorough consultation.

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Iron Infusion Therapy Brisbane

If iron tablets aren’t giving you the results you need, an iron infusion can be a fast, safe and effective way to restore your iron levels. The doctors practising at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre offer iron infusions at our clinic in Cannon Hill, Brisbane, using Ferinject. Appointments are available 7 days a week, and often at short notice.

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Why Iron Is Important

Iron is a mineral that is essential to human health; it is particularly important in allowing the transport of oxygen in blood. As well as playing an important role in many other vital processes in the human body.

Iron infusions are a popular procedure often undertaken by those with anaemia or are otherwise iron deficient. Symptoms of iron deficiency can include: feeling tired, dizziness, difficulty thinking, recurrent infections, paleness and breathlessness.

What Is Iron Deficiency?

The term ‘iron deficient’ or ‘iron deficiency’ refers to when a person lacks the sufficient amount of iron needed to support their body’s normal functions. When iron levels are low, this can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive bruising
  • Difficulty thinking
  • Recurrent infections
  • Cold hands and feet

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we recommend speaking to a doctor to test your iron levels.

Having An Iron Infusion

In Australia, it is generally recommended to take iron orally as first-line treatment for most patients with iron deficiency. However oral iron therapy and dietary intervention may be of limited benefit to some people, including those with impaired intestinal iron absorption. 

In these cases, your GP or specialist can recommend iron infusion therapy as a fast, safe and effective alternative of delivering iron through a vein. It delivers up to 1000mg of iron and quickly restores iron levels to normal. 

Most patients experience a noticeable improvement in their symptoms after receiving an iron infusion. At Carina Medical and Specialist Centre, we have treated many patients with an intravenous iron infusion with very positive feedback.

What to Expect During an Iron Infusion

If you’ve never had an iron infusion before, it’s natural to feel a little unsure. The good news is that the process is simple and straightforward, and most people are pleasantly surprised by how calm and comfortable it is.

Before your infusion

First, low iron levels need to be confirmed with a blood test. One of the doctors practising at Carina Medical will then talk through your results and medical history to make sure an iron infusion is right for you.

There’s no special preparation needed on the day. Drinking plenty of fluids beforehand can make it easier to find a vein. Feel free to bring a book or a podcast to help you relax.

During your infusion

A small cannula is placed into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. The iron solution is then slowly released into your bloodstream through a drip. Because the iron goes straight into your blood, it bypasses the digestive system, so your body can absorb it more quickly than iron tablets.

The infusion usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the type and dose of iron. Some people notice a metallic taste in their mouth during the infusion, which passes quickly.

After your infusion

You’ll usually be asked to wait for a short time afterwards so the team can make sure you’re feeling well before heading home. You can drive home after your infusion, and most people return to their normal activities straight away. It’s still a good idea to stay hydrated and take it easy for the rest of the day.

Side effects are uncommon, mild and temporary. They can include a headache, nausea, dizziness, or changes in skin colour where the cannula was placed. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing or dizziness after your infusion, seek medical attention straight away.

Many people start to notice more energy within a few days to a week, while for others it can take a few weeks to feel the full benefit. A follow-up with your doctor helps check your progress and keep your iron levels healthy long term.

Want to know more? Read our guide to understanding iron infusions, including side effects and what to do after treatment.

Iron Infusion Cost

Iron Infusion Costs for Eligible Medicare Card Holders:

  • Iron infusions with clinic-provided iron: $303
  • Iron infusions with patient-provided iron: $283*

*Please note that patients without Medicare or PBS coverage must supply their own iron. In this case, the clinic fee is $283.

How to Book an Iron Infusion in Brisbane

Getting an iron infusion at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre in Cannon Hill is easy. Appointments are available each week, and often at short notice.

  1. Book a GP Consultation. Book online or call 07 3398 8188 to see one of the doctors practising at Carina Medical. Fatigue has many causes, so your doctor will talk through your symptoms and medical history first.
  2. Have a blood test. Your doctor will arrange a simple blood test to check your iron levels and confirm whether an iron infusion is right for you.
  3. Book your iron infusion. If an infusion is recommended, the team will help you book a time that suits you. Appointments are available 7 days a week, subject to practitioner availability.

Where to find us

Carina Medical and Specialist Centre is located on the Ground Floor at The Hive, 1045 Wynnum Road, Cannon Hill. Undercover parking is available, with access via 67 Ludwick Street.

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FAQs

An iron infusion is a minor procedure that normally takes between 45 to 60 minutes to complete. It involves infusing an iron containing medicine directly into the blood circulation. The iron-containing preparation circulates and is delivered to the body organs that require iron for normal functioning.

Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) also known as FERINJECT®, is an intravenous (IV) iron preparation. It is used in the treatment of iron deficiency conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). It contains iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose, an iron carbohydrate compound.

An iron infusion is sometimes recommended for people who are low in iron (iron deficient). If the body iron is particularly low an iron infusion may be recommended to increase the iron stores quickly. The aim of the iron infusion therapy is to replenish body iron stores and to remedy anaemia, a reduced level of haemoglobin due to iron deficiency.

The most common scenarios where an iron infusion is recommended are if you have severe anaemia, are unable to take iron supplements orally, you experience significant blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding or certain cancers) and cannot absorb enough iron on your own, your diet is very low in iron (common with vegetarian/vegan diets), you have a medical condition that results in you using more iron (such as pregnancy), or you are prescribed certain medications that make it difficult for your body to make haemoglobin.

Iron Infusion Costs for Eligible Medicare Card Holders:

– Iron infusions with clinic-provided iron: $303

– Iron infusions with patient-provided iron: $283*

*Please note that patients without Medicare or PBS coverage must supply their own iron. In this case, the clinic fee is $283.

How often the iron infusion treatment is needed varies depending on the condition that is causing the iron deficiency, and whether it persists. One treatment is often enough to improve the condition.

It may take around six to twelve weeks for the effects of an iron infusion to work in your body. It is usually a gradual improvement, with steadily increasing levels of energy, improved sleep quality and better mood and memory.

For some people, the improvements will be very noticeable, while for others it will be subtle. The effect of iron infusions vary from person to person. If you have any questions about the way your iron infusion is making you feel, speak with your GP.

Yes. Low iron needs to be confirmed with a blood test first, and your doctor will discuss your medical history to make sure an iron infusion is right for you. Book a GP consultation online to get started.

Iron infusions are considered safe. Particularly with the newer iron containing preparations currently available. In the past (older) iron infusions were associated with common side-effects including allergic type reactions. This is much less common with the current iron containing preparation (Ferric carboxymaltose FCM also known as FERINJECT®) but this is still a potential risk. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and the benefits of having an iron infusion in your particular circumstances.

An iron infusion is not usually considered to be a painful procedure. You may feel some mild effects of the infusion for 1-2 days following the procedure. If you begin to experience any chest pain, difficulty breathing or dizziness, it’s important to immediately seek medical attention and raise the issue with your GP when next available.

It is unusual to experience any significant side effects from an iron infusion with the newer iron containing medications. Some patients may experience a headache or feel nauseated. Less commonly some patients experience flushing, a disturbance in taste, itchiness, fever and chills. Please see the full list of side effects of iron infusions given to you by your doctor.

Iron staining is an uncommon but not unheard of adverse effect of intravenous iron administration. Your doctor will apply principles and techniques that are used to reduce the risk of intravenous iron stains. The rate of skin discolouration with intravenous iron preparations has been reported in clinical trials as 0.68% to 1.3%.

There is no particular preparation needed for the iron infusion. It is helpful if you have had plenty of fluids to drink so finding a vein for the infusion can be easier. You will be able to drive home after the iron infusion. The infusion usually takes between 45-60 minutes.

It is always important to monitor your own health after an iron infusion. If you experience any significant symptoms (for example chest pain or difficulty breathing) contact your doctor who administered the iron infusion or an emergency department.

Yes, you can drive after your infusion. In some cases, your doctor may choose to monitor you for a short period of time to ensure there are no immediate side effects, however, it is not likely for an infusion to affect your ability to drive.

Typically, the recovery from the infusion is minimal, as this is a minimally invasive procedure. In most cases, you will be able to resume normal activities immediately afterwards – although it’s important to remain hydrated and avoid any strenuous activities.

As one of the most common nutrient disorders in the world, iron deficiency is easily diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Some people will feel a little tired after an iron infusion, this should pass within a few days. If you are feeling unusual tiredness in the weeks following your iron infusion, follow-up with your doctor.

Book Online

If you suspect you may be iron deficient or would like to know more about iron infusions, please book online or call 07 3398 8188 for a thorough consultation.

Get in Touch