Overview
Iron infusions supply iron directly to your blood stream
This treatment is helpful if you:
- Can’t absorb enough iron because of excessive blood loss or pregnancy
- Have difficulty absorbing iron adequately through your gut
You’ll need to consult with a naturopathic doctor, or your primary care provider, to explore whether this therapy is right for you. Bloodwork is required before your first treatment.
Our Approach
We consider each client’s individual concerns and experiences and work to tailor treatments to your particular needs and therapeutic goals.
Referrals
I want to refer a patient, how do I do that?
We accept referrals from primary healthcare providers (MDs and Nurse Practitioners), midwives, dietitians and Naturopathic Doctors within the community. You’ll need to fill out our referral form below.
Thank you for your referral!
Learn More
An iron infusion (IV Iron) is a method of delivering iron to your body through an intravenous line, directly into your blood stream. These infusions increase the levels of iron and hemoglobin in your body quickly.
Lowered iron levels in your body can be caused by:
- Blood loss
- A diet low in iron
- Medical conditions that affect your body’s ability to absorb iron
- An increased need for iron in your body, for example, during pregnancy
Iron is one of many minerals in the human body. Your body needs iron to create hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body.
Iron infusions have been shown to be more effective and better tolerated than taking oral iron supplements. How much your iron levels increase after a treatment depends on the dose you received and how low your iron levels were at the time of your treatment. Generally, patient’s levels rise significantly compared to their levels before the infusion.
We use two types of iron infusions. The option used for you will be based on your personal needs and related health conditions.
Monoferric Iron (ferric derisomaltose/iron isomaltoside) can be given in larger doses per infusion, but takes longer to administer. We do not provide this form to pregnant patients.
Venofer Iron (iron sucrose) can be given in smaller doses per infusion. This iron is used for pregnant patients.
Iron infusion costs include:
- The initial consultation fee: $142.00
- Venofer Iron infusion: $150 per infusion
- Monferric Iron infusion: $235 per infusion
- Labwork: approximately $65.00 if completed through Acacia Health (accurate as of March 2024). We need results from a CBC and Ferritin lab dated within three months of your appointment
- Additional labs costs vary based on required labwork
Please review the Cost for Patient. These costs are for IV Iron Prescriptions through PURE Compounding pharmacy (accurate as of March 2024).
Coverage depends on your personal health benefit provider and plan. A pharmacist can check your coverage, or you can contact your benefits provider for details.
Within 3 months of your intake visit, we require – at minimum – a Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) and serum Ferritin. Please note that more tests may be required, depending on circumstances. Your naturopathic doctor will be able to discuss if further tests are required.
Your naturopathic doctor will discuss possible side effects during your initial appointment.
In general, side effects are rare, and the majority of patients do not experience side effects.
Some people experience symptoms such as a rash or flushing during or after the infusion. A small number of patients can have flu-like symptoms, including muscle and joint aches, for a few days after the infusion. We provide instructions on how to manage these side effects, including prescriptions to use if needed.
There is a very small chance of severe allergic reaction (0.004%). We stay with you for the first 10 minutes of your infusion, and then monitor you closely throughout your treatment, so we can quickly treat side effects if needed. Your naturopathic doctor will discuss possible side effects in detail during your initial appointment.
IV Iron Initial Appointments (virtual)
30-minutes in length, for both New patients and Existing patients
Your IV Iron trained naturopathic doctor will take a thorough medical history, discuss the risks and benefits of IV therapy and complete a physical exam. They will make sure all your questions are answered.
To ensure iron infusion therapy is right for you, your naturopath will:
- Take a focused health history
- Review your lab work if you provide it
- Or order lab tests
If IV iron is appropriate for you, your naturopath will send a prescription to a local pharmacy that will deliver it to the clinic ahead of your infusion appointment.
You will not receive IV therapy at your initial appointment.
Follow-up appointment
About 60-90 minutes
Following the IV Iron consultation, you will be called by one of our patient care coordinators to schedule your infusion.
IV iron infusion appointments are based on the doctors’ availability.
Please ensure you’ve eaten and are hydrated before you arrive for your treatment. You’ll receive your IV iron therapy in our dedicated IV lounge.
It can take a few days to a week to notice changes after treatment. Your naturopath will retest your iron levels four to six weeks after your infusion to assess your response to treatment.
Our Practitioners
We take an empathetic approach to your care and always provide the most up-to-date information and resources. We want to help you on your journey to recovery.
Not sure where to start? Call 250-475-1522, ext 2. and our patient care coordinators will help.
