Iron Infusions
Iron Infusions Brisbane, QLD.
If you're suffering from iron-deficiency-anaemia or a condition that leads to low iron levels, an iron infusion might be a suitable treatment option. Iron infusion treatment involves administering iron directly into your bloodstream through a vein, helping to quickly boost your body's iron levels to a desirable amount. Depending on your specific needs, you may require a single infusion or multiple sessions over time; as determined by your doctor of referring GP after initial consultation.
At Narangba Station Medical Centre, our team of highly trained medical professionals are dedicated to delivering iron infusion treatments with the utmost care and expertise; ensuring your comfort and safety throughout. With our unwavering commitment to quality healthcare, you can trust us to provide reliable and effective infusions that support your overall health. Welcoming our own patients and patients from other practices with a referral, our team is here to support.
Available After Hours & Weekends
Subject to availability, Narangba Station Medical Centre accommodates iron infusion appointments both after hours and at the weekend. To book a consultation with one of our experienced doctors to discover whether intravenous (IV) iron infusion therapy is a suitable option for you, please call us on (07) 3521 4333. Alternatively, click the button below to book an appointment online or download the AMS Connect App.
Opening Hours
We're open 7 days a week with late-night availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend appointments are also available to all patients.
Useful Links
Referrals Welcome
We understand some GPs or clinics may not be able to provide iron infusions, and often there is a wait time. We are happy to receive referrals from other doctors, and we can normally accommodate your request for the infusion within a few days. Normally, you may have been given a script already; it will be helpful if you can bring the iron with you. Sometimes, copies of your blood test results or referral letter that your GP has given are helpful to the doctor performing the procedure.
Please note, in this consultation, we will only be responsible for the infusion. We recommend you continue to see your regular GP for ongoing care, including any follow-up and other investigations that have been suggested.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Since the early twentieth century, iron infusions have been used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in both men and women. This occurs when there is a lack of iron in the body, resulting in decreased production of red blood cells and reduced haemoglobin levels.Â
Typically, iron deficiency anaemia is an acquired medical condition. This means that many people throughout society are unaware that they are iron deficient. As such, it is paramount that regular health checks are undertaken to ensure that changes in your body are regularly monitored.
Symptoms of iron deficiency may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin and nail changes
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches and tinnitus
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Who qualifies for iron infusion treatments?
After receiving blood tests, if you are diagnosed with low iron by your healthcare professional, most patients will be eligible for iron infusions. If you have ever had liver problems or high iron levels you should notify your doctor prior to your appointment as these pose potential risks.
In addition, intravenous iron can be a risk to a very early pregnancy, and should not be given in the first 16 weeks. Before you consider iron infusion therapy, you should discuss this with your Obstetrician or referring doctor.
You may find iron infusions more suitable if:
- You cannot take iron orally
- You do not respond well to oral iron.
- You have an interfering medical condition.
- You are pregnant and in your third trimester.
- You need a prompt iron level increase.
To discuss whether iron infusions are suitable for you, please book a consult with our doctors by calling (07) 3521 4333.
How does it work?
Just like any medical procedure, it is completely natural for your first iron infusion treatment to feel daunting. However, rest assured, our doctors and nurses are highly skilled in performing intravenous iron infusions, ensuring the best possible care. Once you have had your initial consultation with your doctor and have been deemed eligible for iron infusion therapy, your first treatment will be booked at a time that suits you. During the session, our doctors and nurses will take the time to explain everything clearly and answer any questions you may have. From the moment you arrive, you'll be met with a warm and welcoming environment designed to put you at ease.
The actual iron infusion treatment will be undertaken in our well-equipped modern treatment room. The procedure itself will last approximately 30-45 minutes. Nurses will go through the procedure again and answer any questions. A written consent form will need to be signed if you would like to go ahead. A doctor will select a suitable vein, usually in your arm, to insert an intravenous (IV) line. They will clean the area and use a sterile needle to access the vein, ensuring a secure connection for the infusion.
Throughout the infusion, your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, may be monitored by our qualified and experienced nurses to ensure a safe and efficient procedure. Once the IV line is established, the iron solution will be administered slowly into your vein. The infusion rate and duration can vary depending on the specific type of iron preparation and your individual circumstances. We're here to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on your health.
Fees & Medicare Rebate
For weekday iron infusion treatments (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday), the cost is $290* per procedure, of which, $42.85 will be rebated by Medicare. For weekend and after-hours iron infusion treatments, the cost is $305* per treatment, of which, $42.85 will also be rebated by Medicare.
To instantly receive your Medicare rebate, please bring any physical debit card (yours or a family member's) to your appointment. If you don't have a physical card as we can process the rebate manually and the funds will go to the bank account you have nominated with Medicare, usually within 24 hours. Any costs associated with buying the iron vials from a pharmacy or the practice are not included in the above fees. The Clinic does stock a minimal supply of vials to assist patients that have not been able to access the product.
*Medicare Disclaimer: The fee for iron infusion includes a consumable and treatment room component which does not attract a Medicare Rebate. If you have reached your Medicare Threshold, please call our reception team to enquire about your rebate.
Referral Notes: If you are self-referring or have been referred by your regular GP, the procedure and dose administered will be subject to clinical indications and review of your blood test results by our doctors at NSMC. In rare circumstances the procedure may not proceed and you will be referred back to your GP for further discussion.Â
How to Prepare?
Before committing to iron infusion treatment, you should make sure you have discussed the risks and benefits with your doctor and have had all of your questions answered. The benefits of intravenous iron (like any treatment) should be considered to be greater than the potential risks.
To prepare for your iron infusion, you must stop any iron tablets one week before your scheduled infusion. By continuing to take iron tablets, this can limit the effectiveness of the infused iron being absorbed.
Why Choose NSMC?
Conveniently located next to Narangba Train Station, NSMC combines accessibility, affordability, and high-quality medical services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of north Brisbane residents. Our experience medical team, led by Dr. Madhu Lakshmaiah, ensures personalized, patient-centered care with holistic solutions to a variety of health concerns. We're open 7 days a week with after-hours availability and our patients also benefit from the convenience of on-site blood tests, free parking, and proximity to a local pharmacy.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about iron deficiency anaemia or iron infusion treatments? No problem! Here are the most commonly asked questions our GPs receive about safe administration of iron infusion treatments in Brisbane.
There are a few side effects that may be associated with iron infusions, and these will be discussed before the procedure.
The side effects are iron infusions are uncommon, but may include:
- Bloating or swelling of your face, arms, hands, lower legs or feet.
- Dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.
- Gastrointestinal pains, including nausea, cramps or diarrhea.
- Problems with breathing.
- Constipation.
- Headaches.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- Skin problems, including rash.
- Chest pain.
- Low blood pressure.
- Anaphylaxis (a rare but a severe reaction may happen and you may require other drugs to treat and may need to be transferred to a hospital and a ambulance may need to be called)Â
For most people, feeling better after an iron infusion is gradual with positive changes to your energy levels, sleep quality and mood over time. Typically, it may take 6-8 weeks after your first iron infusion to start feeling better. However, some patients may require multiple iron infusion treatments depending on how their body responds to the treatment.Â
During the following months after your first iron infusion, you should continue to watch your symptoms and record any side effects that the iron infusion may have caused. This can then be discussed with your doctor during your follow-up consultation.
We typically find that most patients have completed both their pre-treatment consultation and iron infusion treatment session within approximately 60 minutes.
The length of time that iron infusions last varies from patient to patient. For some patients, you may only need one infusion to optimize your iron levels back to where they should be.
However, other patients may require two doses or more over the course of several weeks or months to bring their iron levels back to appropriate levels. Your GP will discuss this with you at the time.
Yes, typically, you can drive home after your iron infusion. As long as you have not experienced any of the side effects associated with iron infusions you can drive home. If, however, you do experience side effects during treatment, please notify your nurse immediately.
Iron infusions can be mildly uncomfortable, however, most patients say that they are not painful. Similarly to a blood test, you may feel a slight pinch when your doctor inserts the intravenous line into a suitable vein (most likely your arm). However, beyond this, iron infusion treatments typically are not painful.
Yes, you can eat normally before your iron infusion. Besides ensuring that you are completely informed about the treatment and stopping any iron tablets one week before your scheduled infusion, there is nothing special that you need to prepare before your treatment.
Side effects from iron infusions can be either immediate or delayed. In a small minority of people, they can last up to 1-2 days after your infusion. Of these side effects, feeling nauseous and vomiting is relatively uncommon. It is encouraged that you rest for a few hours after your iron infusion to let your body recover from the treatment, particularly if you do start to experience side effects.
Contact & Bookings
To make an appointment, please call reception or use our online booking system via the button below. You can also visit our contact page to see further details about our location and directions.
Bookings are available from as early as 7AM on weekdays and Saturday. We are also open Sunday afternoon and late evening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8:30PM.Â
Can't find us? - We are situated across the road from Narangba Train Station next to the Narangba Village shopping complex. Look for signs for Narangba Health Centre and IGA.
Serving patients in Narangba, Burpengary, Dakabin, Deception Bay, Morayfield, North Lakes and North Brisbane surrounds
