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Iron Infusions.
Book online, bring your own vial of iron, and we take care of the rest. A nurse-led infusion service for clients who already have their vials.
THE PROCEDURE
What it is, and Who it's for.
The procedure is used where iron deficiency has not responded to oral iron therapy, or where oral iron is not tolerated or not appropriate. It also avoids the gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral iron.
The infusion itself typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the product and dose prescribed. Allow additional time for assessment and for observation afterwards.
Unlike the vitamin drips, you cannot book this online. Recent pathology, a clinical assessment and medical authorisation are required first. If an infusion is not appropriate for you, we will say so and refer you back to your GP.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How it Works.
Get in touch first. We will tell you what is needed before anything is booked, so there are no surprises on the day.
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Your treating doctor assesses you, arranges pathology and, where appropriate, prescribes the iron. That part happens before Haven is involved.
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Choose a time that suits you. If anything is unclear about what to bring, call us first and we will talk it through.
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Your prescribed iron vial and any relevant documentation, including recent pathology, so the nurse has the full picture.
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The infusion typically runs 15 to 60 minutes depending on the product and dose prescribed. You are monitored throughout and observed afterwards.
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A repeat blood test is required approximately four to eight weeks afterwards to check your iron levels and haemoglobin, and to determine whether further infusions are needed.
Not sure whether you need one? Call and talk it through with the nurse.RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Told to you before, not after.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with IV iron infusion. Your nurse discusses these with you before treatment. They include but are not limited to the following.
Common
Headache, flushing, nausea, dizziness, mild injection site pain or discolouration. Skin staining can occur if extravasation happens.
Uncommon
Hypotension, chest tightness, back or joint pain, rash.
Rare
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Emergency equipment and trained staff are available on site.
AFTERWARDS
What to expect in the days after.
Most people feel well following an iron infusion. It is normal to experience some mild side effects in the hours or days afterwards.
You are given a written aftercare sheet covering all of this, along with the emergency contacts, so you are not relying on memory.
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Mild headache, fatigue or lethargy for 24 to 48 hours, muscle or joint aches, a low-grade fever, flushing or skin warmth, mild nausea, and skin discolouration at the cannula site.
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You may resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed. Rest if you feel tired, which is a normal response. Drink plenty of water through the day. You do not need to avoid any specific foods, though a balanced diet supports your recovery.
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Keep the dressing dry and intact for at least 24 hours after the cannula is removed. Do not scratch, rub or apply heat. Mild bruising or tenderness is normal and settles within a few days.
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If iron leaks under the skin, staining at the site can occur. This can take months to fade and may be permanent, which is why the site is watched closely.
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Contact us or your GP if you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge at the site. After hours advice is available on 13 HEALTH, 13 43 25 84.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Book a Drip, Today.
Seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, at our Rockingham clinic. A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and public holidays.