Everything You Need to Know About Iron Infusions

If you're considering an iron infusion, this Comprehensive Iron Infusion Guide will help you understand:

• what an iron infusion is

• the cost of an iron infusion (compared to other treatment options)

• the process of an infusion

• and how to prepare for an infusion. 

At Brunswick Doctors, iron infusions are available on the same day depending on appointment availability and clinical assessment. If you suspect that you have low iron levels or cannot tolerate iron supplements, book an appointment with Dr Ali Sheaar, Dr Lakmali Jinadasa, or Dr Aqeela Kukkady to discuss if an iron infusion is appropriate for you.

Common Symptoms of Low Iron

• Persistent tiredness or physical weakness

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Pale skin, Cold hands and feet

• Brittle nails or hair thinning

People at Risk of Iron Deficiency

• Vegetarians and vegans

• Women with heavy menstrual bleeding

• Pregnant or postpartum women

• People with an unbalanced diet

• Frequent blood donors

• People who have had recent surgery or blood loss

  
  

Should I choose an Iron Infusion Over Tablets? 

While oral iron tablets (such as Ferrograd C) are commonly recommended as a first step in treating iron deficiency, if your body doesn’t absorb iron well, or if your iron levels are significantly low, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion instead. 

The choice between tablets and infusion depends on your individual health needs, tolerance to oral iron, and how urgently your iron stores need to be replenished.

The following chart compares the key differences between these two treatment options:

How Much Does an Iron Infusion Cost Compared to a Year of Iron Tablets?

We’ve compared the cost of iron infusion with the cost of taking oral iron tablets over a year.

We’ve used Ferrograd C, one of the most commonly recommended iron supplements by our doctors due to its effectiveness and wide availability.

Oral iron tablets are more affordable upfront, however we recommend considering the ongoing cost over a longer period (at least 6-12 months), as it is often required depending on how well the body responds and absorbs the iron.

An iron infusion, on the other hand, may last significantly longer. For some individuals, especially those who can maintain adequate iron levels through diet, a single iron infusion may be sufficient for one to three years. 

Consultation, Procedure & Cost

In most cases, if you’ve completed iron studies within the past 12 months, you can book an iron infusion without the first consultation. Our GP will confirm suitability, prescribe the iron, and our nurse will facilitate the infusion.

If you haven’t done iron studies, the first step is to make an appointment with our doctor:

1st Appointment: Consultation & Referral for Iron Studies

During the first appointment, you will discuss your symptoms and any concerns with the doctor. The doctor will arrange a blood test to determine your iron levels, which must be completed before the infusion. 

2nd Appointment: Iron Infusion Procedure

You will be prescribed  Ferinject®, the medication needed for the infusion, and our friendly staff will instruct you to pick it up from a nearby pharmacy before the infusion.

Iron infusion typically takes 30-45 minutes, and you can expect to be in the clinic for about 1 hour. Your doctor and nurse will explain the process and ensure you are comfortable throughout the infusion. A thin needle will be placed into a vein, usually on the back of your hand or in your elbow crease, to deliver the infusion slowly. You should feel the full benefit of the infusion within 2-4 weeks.

Fee for Iron Infusion on Weekdays

• Upfront fee: $285.1*

• Medicare Rebate: $125.1

• Out of Pocket: $160 (includes $30 equipment fee)

Fee for Ferinject®

• Medicare Holder: ~$44 (or ~$7 for concession holder)

• Private: $341

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*Final fees are subject to change based on the actual consultation. We strive to keep out-of-pocket costs consistent.

If you have private health insurance, consult your provider to see if they cover the injection.

3rd Appointment: Follow-up

A telehealth follow-up appointment will be scheduled after the infusion. The doctor will provide you with a pathology form for a follow-up iron studies test to ensure the infusion has been effective.

How do I Improve my iron level?

There are simple dietary changes you can make to improve your iron level gradually, or help maintain you iron level after an infusion.

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better, while caffeine can block it. To get the most out of your iron-rich foods, pair them with fruits and veggies high in vitamin C, like oranges or capsicums. Also, try to wait a little before having coffee or tea to let your body absorb the iron!

Here's a list of foods that are high in iron:

Iron Infusion FAQ

Where can I get an iron infusion in Melbourne, Victoria?

Brunswick Doctors offers same day iron infusions every day of the week.* Make an appointment with one of our doctors or speak to our friendly reception staff for more details. *Same day iron infusion is subject to appointment availability and clinical assessment.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed, just a recent iron study. Our doctors will assess whether an infusion is appropriate for you during the consultation.

How to prepare for iron infusion?

It helps to come well-hydrated and have a light meal beforehand.  Wear loose clothing around the arm and let your doctor know about any past allergies; this reduces the chances of dizziness, nausea, or issues with cannulation. Staying for observation afterwards ensures any rare side effects are caught early.

What are some side effects of iron infusion? 

Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing, or a metallic taste during the infusion. Some people experience flu-like symptoms such as joint or muscle aches, mild fever, or fatigue in the days after an iron infusion.

Some people may feel lightheaded or faint from the cannulation, not the iron. This is usually a vasovagal response (body’s reaction to needles or anxiety), rather than the infusion. Lying down, staying well-hydrated, and letting the nurse know if you feel faint can help.

Less common but important side effects include temporary drops in phosphate levels, and in rare cases, allergic or anaphylactic reactions. For this reason, all iron infusions are administered under medical supervision. Our team of experienced doctors and nurses are well equipped to manage any side effects promptly and ensure your safety throughout the procedure.

What is iron staining, should I worry about that?

Skin staining happens if iron leaks outside the vein during infusion. It is rare but it can happen. To minimise the risk of skin staining, our nurses and doctors use careful cannulation and always flush the IV line with saline before and after the iron is given; this confirms the cannula is properly placed in the vein and helps prevent leakage into surrounding tissue. Patients can help by keeping their arm still during the infusion and reporting any pain, burning, or swelling at the site straight away.

Who can’t get an iron infusion at our clinic?

To ensure patient safety, unfortunately we cannot perform infusion on people who are

• Pregnant 

• under 16

• Have known allergy to Ferric Carboxymaltose

• have a fever / infection

As they often require more specialised care. 

How do I book an iron infusion?

The most simple and direct way would be to give our team a call or book online!

If you made the appointment, be sure to give us a call to confirm!

We will help answer any questions you may have and find an available time for you.