Iron Infusion Clinics
What is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of medication or fluid through a vein using a needle or a catheter. The medication or fluid is delivered slowly over some time, typically ranging from a few minutes to several hours or even days.
This method allows for a higher concentration of nutrients to reach the body and can be used to treat conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia or vitamin deficiencies.
Our practice offers two therapies to address these conditions:
- Iron Infusion
- Vitamin Infusion
Iron Infusion
What is an Iron Infusion?
Iron infusion is a medical procedure in which iron is administered to the body through an intravenous (IV) injection. It is typically used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce enough haemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen in the blood. Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
Since the approval of a new iron formulation called FerInject to be covered by Medicare in eligible patients, more and more people have chosen to give iron intravenously.
Unlike previous formulations that must be diluted and given slowly over 6-7 hours, the new preparation FerInject can be given over 15 minutes.
No sedation is involved, and you can drive back to work after the infusion. The advantages of an iron infusion include the immediate boost in iron stores and the avoidance of common side effects of oral iron (constipation).
Liquid iron can be expensive if taken for an extended period (often months).
Who is Suitable for Iron Infusion?
Iron infusion is typically recommended for individuals with iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Individuals who may be more likely to develop iron-deficiency anaemia include:
- Women with heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders that affect iron absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease
- Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery
- Individuals with blood loss from chronic kidney disease or cancer
What are the Benefits of Iron Infusion?
The benefits of iron infusion include the following:
- Increased production of haemoglobin and red blood cells, which can improve oxygenation to the body's tissues and organs
- Relief of symptoms associated with anaemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath
- Improved quality of life
What are the Types of Iron Infusion?
There are two main types of iron infusions:
- Iron dextran: This is a form of iron bound to a sugar molecule and is considered a slow-release form of iron. Iron dextran is typically used in patients with severe anaemia who need a large amount of iron quickly.
- Iron sucrose is a form of iron bound to a sucrose molecule and is considered a slow-release form of iron. Iron sucrose is typically used in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Oral iron supplements are usually the first line of treatment for iron deficiency anaemia. Still, in cases where oral supplements are not effective or well tolerated, iron infusion may be necessary.
Iron Infusion Procedure
After being admitted by nursing staff and baseline observations have been taken (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation),
- The doctor will insert a cannula into a small vein in the arm or back of the hand.
- Your nurse will then connect a medication line to the cannula containing 20mL of Iron solution (corresponding to 1g of Iron).
- The infusion will commence once you are comfortable and take approximately 15 minutes.
- Once the infusion is complete, the medication line will be flushed with saline, disconnected, and removed just before discharge.
- Repeat observations will be taken upon completion of the infusion, and you will be discharged shortly after when deemed safe by your nurse.
Following your Iron infusion, you may:
- Eat and drink your regular diet
- Drive a vehicle
- Return to work
Side Effects of Iron Infusion
Iron infusions are usually well tolerated, but some patients may experience minor side effects such as chills, fever, headache, or flushing. More severe side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, inflammation of the vein, or chest pain. The patient will be monitored for adverse reactions during and after the infusion.
What is the Cost of the Iron Infusion?
Our infusion fee covers the cost of the medicine, the infusion treatment, the doctor’s fees and all associated fees.
If you have private health insurance, you can obtain a total rebate depending on your coverage level. For more information on the refund or to make an appointment, please contact our clinic, and one of our friendly receptionists will be able to assist you.
Vitamin Infusion
What is a Vitamin Infusion?
Vitamin infusion is a medical procedure in which vitamins are administered to the body through an intravenous (IV) injection. It is typically used to treat deficiencies of specific vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, etc., or to provide high doses of vitamins that are not well absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
Intravenous Vitamin Infusion is an upcoming alternative therapy mode popularised by athletes, celebrities and famous personalities.
Who is Suitable for Vitamin Infusion?
Vitamin infusions may be recommended for individuals with deficiencies in specific vitamins or for those who have difficulty absorbing vitamins through the gastrointestinal tract. Some examples of conditions that may make an individual a candidate for vitamin infusion include:
- Malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cancer
- Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery
- Individuals who have a high risk of developing a deficiency, such as pregnant women or individuals with a history of alcohol abuse
What are the Benefits of Vitamin Infusion?
The benefits of vitamin infusions include:
- Rapid replenishment of specific vitamin levels in the body
- Relief of symptoms associated with vitamin deficiencies, such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain
- Improved overall health and well-being
What are the Types of Vitamin Infusion?
There are many types of vitamin infusions available; some of the most common include:
- Vitamin C Infusion: It is used to boost the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body.
- Vitamin B Infusion: It treats deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and B complex. It can treat various conditions, such as anaemia, fatigue, and nerve damage, and boost energy levels.
- Vitamin D Infusion: It treats Vitamin D deficiency, which can cause weak bones and muscles, fatigue and depression.
- Glutathione Infusion: It is an antioxidant that can help to boost the immune system, detoxify the liver, and improve skin health.
Vitamin infusions should be done under the supervision of a doctor, and the procedure may vary depending on the type of vitamin infusion, the patient's condition, and the facility's protocol. Also, vitamin infusions should be done only when prescribed by a doctor.
Why is Intravenous Vitamin Infusion Required?
Intravenous Vitamin Infusion is required to maximise the nutrients available by bypassing the digestive system.
Each infusion is custom-designed as per the needs and requirements of every individual, allowing them to reach their maximum potential every day.
Preparation Before Intravenous Vitamin Infusion
Intravenous Vitamin Infusion can be performed as an outpatient procedure by clinics.
To determine the best outcome, the individual should be adequately counselled to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.
A complete history and physical examination should be completed to determine suitability for the procedure, which may include lab tests. This information allows the staff to determine which combination of vitamins and minerals should be administered for the best results.
Vitamin Infusion Procedure
Intravenous Vitamin Infusion surgery is performed as a walk-in procedure. The steps include:
- A small IV catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, through which the vitamin infusion will be administered.
- The vitamin solution, which can be a mixture of different vitamins and minerals, is administered through the IV for 30-60 minutes.
- The patient is monitored for any adverse reactions or complications during the infusion.
What To Expect After Vitamin Infusion?
After the infusion, the patient's vital signs will be monitored, and any adverse reactions will be treated. The patient will be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the vitamins out of the body and to follow up with the healthcare provider to check the vitamin levels in the blood.
Patients experience a revitalised freshness and energy boost within minutes of infusion, lasting for a few hours or more.
Vitamin Infusion Risks and Complications
Like any medical procedure, vitamin infusion therapy can have risks and potential complications, including:
- Infection: risk of infection at the site of the IV infusion
- Allergic reactions: reaction to the vitamins or solution being infused, including itching, hives, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure
- Overdose: receiving too much of a particular vitamin can lead to toxicity
- Interactions with medications: vitamin infusions can interact with other medicines and cause unintended effects
- Fluid overload: receiving too much fluid too quickly can lead to fluid buildup in the body
Make sure to discuss vitamin infusion therapy's potential risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Phlebotomy
What is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is drawing blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, or donations. Phlebotomists are trained healthcare professionals who perform this procedure.
Iron infusion
Before an iron infusion is given, blood may be drawn from a patient. This is done to test the patient's iron levels, which helps determine how much iron to administer and monitor the patient's response to the infusion. The phlebotomist is responsible for collecting and preparing the blood sample for laboratory testing.
Vitamin Infusion
Phlebotomy might be done before the vitamin infusion to check the patient's vital signs, electrolyte levels, and other parameters. The phlebotomist is responsible for collecting and preparing the blood sample for laboratory testing.
Phlebotomy Risks
Common risks include bleeding, infection, and fainting or dizziness. These risks can be minimised by properly sterilising equipment and adequately training the phlebotomist.
Phlebotomy Procedure
The procedure for phlebotomy typically involves the following steps:
- The patient's identification is verified, and any necessary consent is obtained.
- The patient's vital signs are taken and recorded.
- The site for blood collection is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to make the veins more visible and easier to access.
- A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the crook of the arm.
- Blood is collected into a tube or bag.
- The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop bleeding.
- The patient is observed for any adverse reactions or complications.
