Iron deficiency is common and can leave you feeling tired, weak and unable to perform at your usual level. While iron tablets are often the first treatment recommended, they are not suitable or effective for everyone.
An iron infusion, also known as an intravenous (IV) iron infusion, delivers iron directly into the bloodstream. This can be an effective way to replenish iron stores when oral iron supplements are not tolerated, are not working adequately, or when iron needs to be replaced more quickly.
At MINT Clinic in Melbourne, iron infusions are provided following medical assessment and are overseen by highly qualified Registered Nurses and a MINT doctor.
How much does an iron infusion cost?
The cost of an iron infusion at MINT Clinic is $275.
This is the clinic fee for administering the infusion. You will also need to obtain the prescribed iron medication from your local pharmacy before your appointment.
The cost of the medication may vary depending on the medication prescribed and whether you are eligible for a PBS subsidy.
MINT Clinic iron infusion: $275
If you are considering an iron infusion, it is important to understand that the infusion fee and the cost of the prescribed iron medication are separate costs.
Are iron infusions covered by Medicare in Australia?
The iron infusion procedure itself is not covered by Medicare.
There is currently no specific Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item for administering an iron infusion. The Australian Government’s MBS guidance states that iron infusions cannot be claimed under the relevant blood-product service item.
However, some prescribed intravenous iron medicines may be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements. For example, ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) is currently listed as available on the PBS.
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding the cost of your prescribed medication.
If you have private health insurance, you can also contact your health fund to ask whether you are entitled to any benefit towards the cost of the infusion.
Can a GP give you an iron infusion?
Yes, iron infusions can be administered in a GP or medical clinic setting where appropriate facilities, medical oversight and trained staff are available.
However, an iron infusion should not simply be requested and administered without medical assessment.
At MINT Clinic, every patient must first have a GP consultation to determine whether an iron infusion is clinically appropriate.
Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history and blood test results. The diagnosis of iron deficiency should be supported by laboratory testing before intravenous iron is prescribed.
If an iron infusion is considered appropriate, your doctor will provide you with a prescription for the iron medication.
You will then need to:
- Take your prescription to your local pharmacy.
- Collect the prescribed iron medication.
- Bring the medication with you to your MINT Clinic infusion appointment.
- Have the infusion administered under the supervision of our qualified clinical team.
Why might you need an iron infusion?
Iron tablets or liquid iron are often used as the first treatment for iron deficiency. However, an iron infusion may be considered when oral iron:
- Is not working adequately
- Causes significant gastrointestinal side effects
- Cannot be tolerated
- Is not being adequately absorbed
- Is unsuitable for the individual
- Needs to be replaced relatively quickly
An infusion may also be considered in certain medical circumstances, including some cases of inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease or heart failure.
Your doctor will determine whether an infusion is appropriate for you.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can occur with or without anaemia.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue
- Reduced energy
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Feeling generally run down
However, these symptoms can have many possible causes. Having symptoms alone does not mean that you need an iron infusion.
A blood test is important to assess your iron status and determine whether iron deficiency is present.
What happens during an iron infusion?
Before your infusion, a Registered Nurse will assess you and check your observations.
A small intravenous cannula is inserted into a vein, usually in your hand or arm. The prescribed iron is then administered through the IV line.
Your infusion is monitored by a highly qualified Registered Nurse, with oversight from a MINT doctor.
You will also be monitored after the infusion. This is important because, although serious reactions are uncommon, intravenous iron can rarely cause an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction.
The total time you spend at the clinic will depend on the medication and dose prescribed.
Are iron infusions safe?
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated when administered appropriately and with appropriate medical supervision.
Like all medicines, intravenous iron can cause side effects.
Some people may experience:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Muscle or joint aches
- Changes in blood pressure
- A metallic taste
- Temporary flushing or redness
Serious allergic reactions are rare, but they can occur. This is why iron infusions should be administered in a suitable medical setting with trained clinical staff and appropriate monitoring.
A rare complication associated with some intravenous iron preparations is low phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia), which can occur days or weeks after treatment. Speak with your doctor if you develop persistent or unusual symptoms following an infusion.
Do I need a blood test before an iron infusion?
Yes. Your doctor will generally require recent blood test results to determine whether you have iron deficiency and whether intravenous iron is appropriate.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may review results including:
- Ferritin
- Haemoglobin
- Iron studies
- Transferrin saturation
- Full blood count
Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other possible causes of iron deficiency.
How quickly does an iron infusion work?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream, allowing your body to replenish its iron stores without relying on absorption through the digestive system.
Some people notice an improvement in symptoms relatively soon after treatment, while for others it can take several weeks.
The response depends on the severity and cause of the iron deficiency, your individual health and whether there is an ongoing cause of iron loss.
Your doctor may recommend repeat blood tests after treatment to assess your response. Healthdirect advises that blood tests may be performed around 2–4 weeks after an infusion, depending on the clinical circumstances.
Can an iron infusion treat tiredness?
If iron deficiency is contributing to your fatigue, correcting the deficiency may improve your energy and other symptoms.
However, tiredness is a common symptom with many possible causes, including sleep problems, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, stress, infections and other medical conditions.
An iron infusion should therefore only be used when iron deficiency has been appropriately assessed and your doctor considers intravenous iron clinically appropriate.
Do I need to take iron tablets after an infusion?
Not necessarily.
Your doctor will determine whether you need ongoing oral iron supplementation based on your iron levels, the cause of your deficiency and your response to treatment.
It is also important to identify why your iron levels are low. Treating iron deficiency without investigating an ongoing source of iron loss may mean that the deficiency returns.
What should I do before my iron infusion?
Unless your doctor gives you different instructions, there is usually no need to fast before an iron infusion.
It is generally recommended that you eat normally, drink plenty of water and take your usual medications unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
Before your appointment, tell your doctor or nurse if you:
- Have previously reacted to intravenous iron
- Have allergies or asthma
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Have liver problems or a condition causing high iron levels
- Have had problems with iron treatment previously
- Are taking medications, vitamins or supplements
- Have an infection or are feeling unwell
Why choose MINT Clinic for an iron infusion?
At MINT Clinic, patient safety and appropriate medical assessment are central to our iron infusion service.
Our process includes:
- Medical assessment
You will first see a GP who will assess your symptoms and blood results and determine whether an iron infusion is clinically appropriate. - Prescription
If an infusion is recommended, your doctor will provide a prescription for the appropriate iron medication. - Collect your medication
You collect your prescribed iron medication from your local pharmacy and bring it with you to your appointment. - Professional administration
Your infusion is administered by a highly qualified Registered Nurse. - Medical oversight
All iron infusions at MINT Clinic are overseen by a MINT doctor. - Monitoring
You are monitored throughout the infusion and following treatment for your safety.
Book an iron infusion at MINT Clinic
If you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency or are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with low iron, speak with your GP about whether an iron infusion may be appropriate for you.
At MINT Clinic, every iron infusion begins with a medical assessment to determine whether intravenous iron is clinically indicated.
Iron infusion cost at MINT Clinic: $275
The prescribed iron medication is an additional cost and is collected from your local pharmacy.
Contact MINT Clinic to discuss an iron infusion or book a GP consultation to assess whether an iron infusion is appropriate for you.
BOOK IRON INFUSIONFrequently Asked Questions About Iron Infusions
How much is an iron infusion at MINT Clinic?
An iron infusion at MINT Clinic costs $275. The prescribed iron medication is an additional cost and is collected from your local pharmacy.
Does Medicare cover iron infusions?
Medicare does not provide a specific rebate for the iron infusion procedure itself. Some prescribed iron medicines may be PBS-subsidised depending on the medication and your eligibility. Private health insurance benefits may also vary, so check with your health fund.
Can my GP prescribe an iron infusion?
Yes. Your GP can assess whether an iron infusion is clinically appropriate and, if indicated, prescribe the iron medication.
Do I need a prescription for an iron infusion?
Yes. Intravenous iron medicines such as ferric carboxymaltose are prescription-only medicines.
Do I collect the iron from the pharmacy?
Yes. Once your doctor has prescribed the iron medication, you will need to collect it from your local pharmacy and bring it to your infusion appointment.
How long does an iron infusion take?
The infusion time varies depending on the medication and dose prescribed. You should allow additional time for preparation, monitoring and observation after the infusion.
Are iron infusions safe?
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated, but side effects and rare serious reactions can occur. This is why they should be administered by appropriately trained clinical staff with medical oversight.
How long after an iron infusion will I feel better?
This varies between individuals. Some people notice improvement relatively quickly, while others may take several weeks. Your doctor may recommend follow-up blood tests to assess your response.
BOOK IRON INFUSIONImportant: An iron infusion is a medical treatment and is not suitable for everyone. You should have a medical assessment and appropriate blood tests before receiving intravenous iron.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns about your iron levels, speak with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
