Iron Infusions in Point Cook

Why iron matters

Your body uses iron to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. When iron runs low you may feel tired, struggle to concentrate or find everyday tasks harder. If it keeps falling, haemoglobin drops too, which is called iron deficiency anaemia. Heavy periods are one common cause, and women’s health appointments often pick it up.

Who might need an infusion

Tablets or liquid iron are usually tried first. Healthdirect lists reasons a doctor may recommend an infusion instead:

• you cannot take iron tablets or liquid
• tablets have not worked, or your body is not absorbing them
• iron needs replacing quickly, such as before surgery or late in pregnancy
• you have chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure
• you cannot have a blood transfusion

Before your iron infusion in Point Cook

The first step is a GP appointment and blood tests to confirm low iron, which can be taken at the onsite pathology centre. Tell your GP if you:

• are pregnant, since IV iron is avoided in the first trimester
• have asthma, eczema or allergies, or have reacted to iron before
• have high iron, haemochromatosis or liver problems
• take any medicines or supplements, or may have an infection

Your GP will explain whether you need to collect the iron from a pharmacy and bring it with you. On the day, eat as usual, take your regular medicines and drink plenty of water.

On the day

A small tube is placed in a vein in your hand or arm and connected to a drip that carries the iron mixed with saline. Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature are checked, and you are watched during the infusion and for a period afterwards. Ask reception how long to set aside. Most people can drive home and return to normal activities unless they have a reaction.

Side effects to know about

The most common are headache, dizziness, flushed skin, nausea, muscle or joint aches, a metallic taste and changes in pulse or blood pressure. Some begin a day or two later and settle within a few days. Fewer than 1 in 100 people have a severe allergic reaction. Rarely, iron leaks under the skin and stains it, or phosphate levels fall in the following weeks. Swelling of the lips or throat, trouble breathing or chest pain needs help straight away; after you leave, call 000.

Cost and follow-up

As listed on our Patient Info and Fees page, an iron infusion has a total fee of $250, a Medicare rebate of $80.10 and an out-of-pocket cost of $169.90. A follow-up blood test two to four weeks later shows how well your levels have recovered. Some people need more than one infusion, usually at least a week apart, and your GP will also look for the cause of the low iron.

Common questions