Fast-track Iron Infusions
We are now accepting referrals for iron infusions for patients outside of Woodville South GP. If your GP doesn’t offer iron infusions or has a long wait, we can provide the iron infusion for you.
With this process you do not need an initial consult with our doctors.
We will require a referral from your GP or treating doctor with all of the following information:
– Any allergies
– Current medications
– Past medical history
– Current height and weight
– Recent results of your iron studies and haemoglobin level
You can send the referral to:
– Email: reception@woodvillesouthgp.com.au
– Fax: 8304 8902
Our team will review your information and get in touch to book in your iron infusion.
Your prescription for iron vials will be sent you via SMS, which you can purchase at most pharmacies. The medication needs to be brought to your iron infusion appointment.
Please note, we will not comment or advise on the cause of your iron deficency. We will leave this responsibility to your capable GP or treating doctor.
Iron Infusions
Iron infusions are provided at Woodville South GP. This will usually be discussed first with your doctor before being booked in on a separate day with our experienced nursing staff.
The most common way to treat iron deficiency is to take iron by mouth as a tablet or liquid. This works well for most people and is usually tried first. Some people may need iron to be given straight into the body through a vein. This is called an Intravenous (IV) iron infusion. The iron is given through a needle and dripped (‘infused’) into your vein. Sometimes 2 iron infusions (given at least 1 week apart) are needed to fully top up iron stores. The infusion is made up of iron, not blood.
Reasons why you might need IV iron:
- Are not able to take iron tablets / liquid
- Are not responding to iron tablets / liquid or not absorbing them
- Need to get your iron levels up quickly (eg. before major surgery, late in pregnancy or to avoid blood transfusion)
- If you have chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure
Are there any side effects with IV iron?
Generally, when side effects do occur, they are mild and settle down on their own. The most common side effects are temporary and include:
Headache, feeling sick or vomiting, muscle or joint pain
Changes in taste (eg. metallic)
Changes to blood pressure or pulse
Skin staining (brown discolouration) may occur due to leakage of iron into the tissues around the needle (drip) site. This is not common but the stain can be long lasting or permanent. Inform the doctor or nurse straight away of any discomfort, burning, redness or swelling at the needle (drip) site.
Although very uncommon, some people may have a serious allergic reaction. In rare cases this can be life threatening. You will be closely monitored while IV iron is given, and for 30 minutes after.
Sometimes side effects (eg. headache, muscle or joint pain) can start 1 to 2 days later. Mostly they will settle down by themselves over the next couple of days. If they worry you or interfere with your daily activities contact your doctor or infusion centre for advice. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness or neck / mouth swelling, please seek urgent medical attention / call an ambulance (000).
What Happens on the Day?
What happens on the day?
Apart from bringing your iron vial/s you have purchased from the pharmacy, we suggest drinking plenty of fluids and being well hydrated on the day. The infusion appointment will take approximately 45 minutes. Unless you have an unexpected reaction, you will be able to drive home and do your normal activities. Before leaving the clinic, ensure that you have:
the number to contact if you have any worries or questions.
the dates for any follow up tests and/or appointments
Cost
On the day of the infusion, up to a total of $212.90 will be charged at completion of infusion.
Up to $82.90 is Medicare rebated on the day, with a valid Medicare card.
$130.00 is the maximum out-of-pocket expense which covers consumables and nursing time.
If a second infusion is required, this is usually bulk billed.
The cost of purchasing the iron from the pharmacy will be no more than $30 and no more than $7.70 if you have a concession card.