Iron Infusions in Melbourne

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If you’re considering an iron infusion in Melbourne, it’s important to understand the basics before moving forward.

GPs often use iron infusions to treat more severe cases of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency can significantly affect your quality of life. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, low energy, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.

ON THIS PAGE

• Who does iron deficiency affect?
• What’s an iron infusion?
• Who might benefit from an iron infusion in Melbourne?
• Who’s unlikely to benefit?
• Are iron infusions safe during pregnancy?
• How we conduct iron infusions at the clinic
• Are there any side effects?
• How much does an iron infusion cost?
• About Dr Andrea Hickman

While your body doesn’t produce iron on its own, it’s essential for making haemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Iron also plays a crucial role in helping your muscles function at their best.

Who Has an Iron Deficiency in Australia

Iron deficiency is highly underdiagnosed in Australia. It’s estimated that about one in three women* who menstruate don’t get enough iron.

On top of that, around 12% of pregnant women and 15% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age are thought to have iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), a more advanced stage of iron deficiency.

These numbers more than triple among First Nations people. In comparison, the rates of iron deficiency and IDA among non-indigenous men are around 5%.

It’s worth noting that you can be low in iron without actually having anaemia—they’re related but not the same. (I’ll explain the difference below.)

Up next, I’ll walk you through some of the most common questions people ask about iron infusions and their benefits.

* I recognise and appreciate that not all patients identify with binary genders. For ease of understanding, I’ve used a cisgender context to discuss this complex area of medicine.

What’s an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion is a safe and straightforward procedure in which we intravenously administer a prescribed, calculated dose of iron into your bloodstream.

Your GP may suggest an in-clinic iron infusion as a treatment option when alternative methods of boosting iron levels haven’t worked or if your condition and circumstances indicate that urgently increasing your iron levels may be appropriate.

Who Might Benefit from an Iron Infusion?

Iron infusions are often recommended for people who have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) or are at risk of developing it—especially if oral iron supplements haven’t worked well.

One reason oral iron supplements may not be effective for some people is that they often cause gut irritation. Often it’s multifactorial, also involving:

• Consuming certain foods or medications that block iron absorption, such as caffeine, fibre, calcium, or antibiotics like doxycycline (commonly prescribed for skin conditions)
• Vitamin C deficiency, which affects how well your body absorbs iron
• Inflammation elsewhere in the body
• Gut disorders, such as coeliac disease
• Blood loss, including from ulcers, bowel lesions, or parasites
• Bone marrow disease, which can affect red blood cell production

Here’s a great infographic on how to best meet your recommended daily dietary iron needs.

We easily diagnose iron deficiency and IDA through blood samples.

Doctors may infrequently suggest an iron infusion for the following reasons:

• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Inflammatory bowel disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease
• Heart failure
• When you need to rapidly boost your body’s iron stores, such as in preparation for major surgery where blood loss is expected, and you want to limit the need for a blood transfusion

Who’s Unlikely to Benefit?

People often request iron infusions because they’re always feeling tired and exhausted.

Most of the time, we find reasons for fatigue other than low iron levels. A simple blood test can eliminate iron deficiency as a culprit while allowing us to look for other causes.

If you’re not iron-deficient, having extra iron won’t make you feel more energetic.

Have a look at Doctors of South Melbourne’s post on sleep disorder treatments.

Are Iron Infusions Safe During Pregnancy?

Though they’re generally considered safe in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, we don’t offer infusions to mums-to-be at the clinic.

We like to err on the side of caution.

Our Approach to Iron Infusions: Safe, Effective, and Stress-Free

With excellent service central to patient care, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need before your iron infusion.

We use the highly reputable intravenous iron replacement treatment, Ferinject® (ferric carboxymaltose), which is safe and effective.

We’ll administer the infusion using an intravenous cannula (aka catheter).

This method helps minimise the risk of extravasation, in which liquid can leak under the skin near the injection site, resulting in an unsightly stain (known as ‘tattooing’). 

Steps to Getting an Iron Infusion

At your first appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms, and I’ll answer any questions about how we might boost your iron levels.

I’ll then order blood tests to determine your iron deficiency level and risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

These blood tests are very accurate and help guide the best treatment, whether starting on iron tablets and looking at your diet, or bringing you in for an iron infusion.

If an infusion is deemed the best course of treatment, we’ll send you a prescription to fill at your local pharmacy.

You’ll need to bring the Ferinject to your second appointment.

At your second visit, we’ll:

• Go over any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure
• Set you up in our dedicated treatment room, and make sure you’re comfortable

Our practice nurse will gently insert a small needle into a vein in your arm or hand, attach the cannula, and ensure you’re comfortable.

Some patients like to listen to music or have the lights dimmed to help them relax. We can play any music you wish during the procedure.

I’ll then slowly administer the iron infusion through the cannula. The process usually takes about 20 minutes.

After the infusion, you’ll be invited to rest in our waiting area for about 30 minutes so we can monitor you for any rare allergic reactions.

Most people feel absolutely fine and go about their day.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Though adverse reactions following an iron infusion are unusual, the most commonly reported side effects include:

• Headaches
• Mild nausea
• Mild fevers and chills
• Feeling flushed
• Mild pain at the injection site

These are rare and mainly occur in the first 24-48 hours of your treatment. You can usually treat mild side effects with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.

Please let us know if any of these reactions persist for more than a couple of days.

How Much Does an Iron Infusion Cost?

For Medicare cardholders, the out-of-pocket cost for your first appointment will be charged at our regular appointment rates.

Your second appointment, at which you’ll receive the iron infusion, is $300 out of pocket.

The Ferinject® prescription is approximately $40 from your local pharmacy.

Next Steps?

Iron infusions have worked wonders for many people with IDA and iron deficiency, and they are safe, effective, and accessible.

If you’re in need, please make an appointment with me or any of the other GPs at the clinic to discuss your symptoms.

We’ll help put the spring back in your step.

Dr Andrea Hickman is a local GP at Doctors of South Melbourne.

She has a special interest in women’s health and much experience diagnosing and treating iron deficiency.

You can make an appointment online with Andrea or call us on (03) 8579 6838.