Iron Infusion Clinic

Thorough Assessment and Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

Iron is a mineral that is essential to human health; it is particularly important in allowing transport of oxygen in blood. Both having too much or too little iron in your body can result in illness, and therefore it is important to seek professional assessment and treatment if you have symptoms of iron deficiency.​

It is important not to treat iron deficiency without identifying an underlying cause. If you are referred by your GP or specialist, they will retain responsibility for ongoing investigation of your iron deficiency. Where you are treated by a Growlife Medical doctor, we will ensure your iron deficiency has been appropriately investigated, so that the underlying cause can be treated.

Some common causes of iron deficiency are:

• Inadequate intake - common in vegetarian diets.
• Blood loss - this is an important cause to exclude, as it can be due to serious illness such as bowel cancer, stomach ulcers or other hidden bleeding, as well as more obvious causes like heavy menstrual periods or blood donation. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, our Women's Health Clinic has GPs with advanced training in gynaecology, and can help treat the underlying cause.
• High iron requirement - this is particularly common in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Problems with absorption - for example coeliac disease is commonly associated with iron deficiency when first diagnosed.

​Where you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia, and oral treatment is not sufficient or not practical, our experienced doctors can administer intravenous iron infusions. We accept referrals from your GP or specialist, or you can book with us online at our South Brisbane Medical Centres in Highgate Hill, Sherwood, Oxley & Sinnamon Park on Brisbane's south side.

​Please note: Iron infusions are contraindicated (ie not recommended) for children under 16 years of age.

​Phone us on 07 3154 2393 to book your iron infusion or book online now for your initial consultation.

How Iron Infusions Work

Step 1: Diagnose Iron Deficiency

Many people with iron deficiency first present with fatigue. The first step to diagnosis is to have a consultation with a doctor, who will arrange a blood test. The two important factors are to check for anaemia with a full blood count, and your iron status with a ferritin level. Your doctor will diagnose:

• Normal iron levels - Ferritin in the normal range - look for a different cause of fatigue
• Iron deficiency - Ferritin level below the normal range
• Anaemia - Haemoglobin (Hb) below the normal range
• Iron deficiency anaemia - Both low ferritin and low haemoglobin, usually with small red blood cells (microcytosis - a low MCV on your blood count)
  

Step 2: Investigate the Cause of Iron Deficiency

Where your doctor has identified iron deficiency, it is essential to investigate for an underlying cause. Causes to consider include

• Recent or current pregnancy
• Vegan or vegetarian diet
• Heavy periods
• Bowel cancer, stomach ulcers or other hidden internal bleeding
• Coeliac disease and reduced iron absorption

You should discuss with your doctor having a test for coeliac disease, a urinary examination looking for blood, and consider referral for colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Step 3: Pre-Infusion Consultation

Once your iron deficiency has been diagnosed, book in to discuss the best option for management of your iron deficiency anaemia. Oral iron is best initially for most people. Iron Infusion is useful if you can't tolerate oral iron, haven't improved with 2-3 months of oral iron, or if you need rapid correction of iron deficiency anaemia. If you have been diagnosed at a different clinic, it is important you bring all your blood tests and other results with you. A referral from your GP is preferred. Your initial appointment must be in person for new patients, or may be via Telehealth for existing patients. Book a 30 min long appointment (fees below). You must be free from COVID symptoms. If appropriate, your doctor will write a prescription for the iron for you to collect from the pharmacy.

Step 4: Iron Infusion

After your initial consultation, reception will book your iron infusion with the doctor and nurse. This procedure takes 1 hour (fees below). You must bring your vials of iron with you, which were prescribed by your doctor at the previous consultation. During the infusion you will be closely monitored by your doctor and nurse for any complications:

• Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) - rare
• Leaking of iron infusion under the skin (iron stain) - it is important you tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any pain or swelling at the infusion site

Give yourself plenty of time to allow for monitoring after your iron infusion.

Step 5: Follow Up

Iron Infusions are really effective at treating iron deficiency. However, because they are so effective, an iron infusion can mask any serious underlying cause. Your Growlife Medical doctor will talk to you about referral to a gastroenterologist if necessary for an endoscopy or colonoscopy. If you are coming from another clinic, we will write to your regular GP and ask them to follow up with you. It is important you see your regular GP afterward to arrange this ongoing followup.