IV iron infusion treatment at Foundations Naturopathic Health
IV Iron Infusion:
Everything You Need to Know
Iron infusion therapy is a safe, effective way to restore iron levels when dietary changes or oral supplements aren’t enough—or aren’t well tolerated. If you're feeling run‑down, short of breath, or simply not yourself, an iron infusion may help replenish your levels and restore your energy. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment at our clinic.
What is an iron infusion?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through an Intravenous (IV) line. This bypasses your digestive system and allows for faster, more reliable absorption — especially helpful if you’ve had trouble with oral supplements or have conditions that limit absorption.
Iron infusions are commonly recommended for:
Ongoing iron deficiency (with or without anemia)
Digestive conditions like Crohn’s or Celiac Disease
Difficulty tolerating oral iron due to side effects
Urgent need for iron replenishment, such as during pregnancy or recovery from surgery
Benefits of iron infusion
Reduced symptoms: Directly increases iron stores in the body, which may help improve fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and overall energy.
Faster results and fewer side effects: Iron is delivered straight to your bloodstream, typically offering noticeable improvements within days to weeks, and without the nausea or constipation often caused by oral supplements.
Better absorption: Ideal if you have gastrointestinal issues that interfere with iron uptake.
Customized treatment: Dr. Heidi will prescribe the right dose based on your needs and lab work.
Convenient: In many cases, one or two sessions are all that’s required.
Who can benefit?
You may benefit from an iron infusion if you have:
Chronic blood loss, iron deficiency anemia, heavy menstrual cycles
Gastrointestinal disorders that affect absorption
Increased iron needs during pregnancy
Athletic demands requiring optimal iron levels
You can book an iron infusion consultation with Dr. Heidi or speak to your own healthcare provider to determine whether this treatment is right for you.
What to expect during iron infusions
Before the Iron Infusion Treatment
Book an Iron Infusion Consultation to review your medical history, symptoms, and recent lab work.
If iron deficiency is confirmed and an infusion is appropriate, we will:
Schedule your Infusion Appointment, if we have the supply in clinic
If we need to order it, a prescription will be written for your pharmacy. Your Infusion Appointment will be scheduled as soon as the supply arrives at the clinic.
On the Day of the Iron Infusion
We’ll check your vital signs first
You’ll be seated comfortably and an IV will be inserted into your arm
The iron is infused slowly—usually 60–90 minutes, but it can take up to 2 hours depending on the formulation
You’ll be monitored throughout the session for comfort and safety
Mild side effects may include a metallic taste or warmth at the injection site
Some formulations may require a small test dose first
After the Iron Infusion
After the infusion, you’ll be observed for 5–10 minutes before you leave
You can return to your usual activities, including driving
Over the next few days or weeks, you may notice improvements in energy and other symptoms
A follow‑up appointment may be recommended to assess your progress, and additional lab work may be required
Further infusions may be scheduled depending on your results
Preparing for your iron infusion appointment
Eat and hydrate: A light meal and water beforehand help prevent dizziness
Dress comfortably: Wear clothing with easy access to your arm
Bring something relaxing: Reading material, headphones, or something to watch can help pass the time
Medical history: Let us know about any allergies, medications, or previous reactions to IV treatments
Lab requirement: Your ferritin level must be checked before we can schedule the infusion—usually within the past 4 weeks
Possible side effects of iron infusion
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated. However, possible side effects may include:
Mild headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Temporary skin discoloration at the injection site- Iron staining or “tattooing”: This occurs if the iron leaks outside the vein into nearby tissue. While rare, we take precautions (IV catheter use, flushing before iron, slow drip) to minimize the risk.
Severe reactions are rare, but if you experience symptoms after you leave the clinic, like chest tightness or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions about iron infusion
Can I drive home after the treatment?
Yes, most people feel well enough to drive afterward.
Do you accept referrals from other healthcare providers?
Yes—as long as recent lab results (especially ferritin levels) are provided.
Is a blood test required?
Yes. We need recent bloodwork—ideally within the past month—to prescribe an iron infusion safely.
What types of iron infusions do you offer and how often?
Non‑pregnant patients:
Monoferric 1,000 mg if ferritin is < 30 μg/L – usually a single infusion
Monoferric 500 mg if ferritin is > 30 μg/L – usually a single infusion, but more may be needed
Pregnant and non‑pregnant patients:
Venofer 200 mg – up to five treatments (totaling 1,000 mg), followed by re‑testing in 4–6 weeks to assess the need for more
Are iron infusions covered by my benefits?
Most likely, depending on your plan.
The infusion cost ($200–230) may be covered under your Naturopathic benefits
The iron dose (Venofer or Monoferric) may be covered under your Drug benefits
What are the estimated costs if I don’t have coverage?
Monoferric (1,000mg):
$600 for iron + $230 for infusion = $830 total
Monoferric (500mg):
$320 for iron + $230 for infusion = $550 total
Venofer (200mg):
$240 (iron and infusion combined) = $240 per infusion (up to 5 sessions)
Note: Your iron prescription may be covered under drug benefits, and the infusion under naturopathic benefits, depending on your plan.
Is an iron infusion the same as an iron injection?
No. Infusions use an IV drip into your vein, while injections deliver iron directly into muscle tissue (usually the buttocks). Infusions are often preferred—they’re less painful, have fewer risks like staining or bleeding, and are more comfortable overall.
What is an iron infusion?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through an Intravenous (IV) line. This bypasses your digestive system and allows for faster, more reliable absorption — especially helpful if you’ve had trouble with oral supplements or have conditions that limit absorption.
Iron infusions are commonly recommended for:
Ongoing iron deficiency (with or without anemia)
Digestive conditions like Crohn’s or Celiac Disease
Difficulty tolerating oral iron due to side effects
Urgent need for iron replenishment, such as during pregnancy or recovery from surgery
Benefits of iron infusion
Reduced symptoms: Directly increases iron stores in the body, which may help improve fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and overall energy.
Faster results and fewer side effects: Iron is delivered straight to your bloodstream, typically offering noticeable improvements within days to weeks, and without the nausea or constipation often caused by oral supplements.
Better absorption: Ideal if you have gastrointestinal issues that interfere with iron uptake.
Customized treatment: Dr. Heidi will prescribe the right dose based on your needs and lab work.
Convenient: In many cases, one or two sessions are all that’s required.
Who can benefit?
You may benefit from an iron infusion if you have:
Chronic blood loss, iron deficiency anemia, heavy menstrual cycles
Gastrointestinal disorders that affect absorption
Increased iron needs during pregnancy
Athletic demands requiring optimal iron levels
You can book an iron infusion consultation with Dr. Heidi or speak to your own healthcare provider to determine whether this treatment is right for you.
What to expect during iron infusions
Before the Iron Infusion Treatment
Book an Iron Infusion Consultation to review your medical history, symptoms, and recent lab work.
If iron deficiency is confirmed and an infusion is appropriate, we will:
Schedule your Infusion Appointment, if we have the supply in clinic
If we need to order it, a prescription will be written for your pharmacy. Your Infusion Appointment will be scheduled as soon as the supply arrives at the clinic.
On the Day of the Iron Infusion
We’ll check your vital signs first
You’ll be seated comfortably and an IV will be inserted into your arm
The iron is infused slowly—usually 60–90 minutes, but it can take up to 2 hours depending on the formulation
You’ll be monitored throughout the session for comfort and safety
Mild side effects may include a metallic taste or warmth at the injection site
Some formulations may require a small test dose first
After the Iron Infusion
After the infusion, you’ll be observed for 5–10 minutes before you leave
You can return to your usual activities, including driving
Over the next few days or weeks, you may notice improvements in energy and other symptoms
A follow‑up appointment may be recommended to assess your progress, and additional lab work may be required
Further infusions may be scheduled depending on your results
Preparing for your iron infusion appointment
Eat and hydrate: A light meal and water beforehand help prevent dizziness
Dress comfortably: Wear clothing with easy access to your arm
Bring something relaxing: Reading material, headphones, or something to watch can help pass the time
Medical history: Let us know about any allergies, medications, or previous reactions to IV treatments
Lab requirement: Your ferritin level must be checked before we can schedule the infusion—usually within the past 4 weeks
Possible side effects of iron infusion
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated. However, possible side effects may include:
Mild headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Temporary skin discoloration at the injection site- Iron staining or “tattooing”: This occurs if the iron leaks outside the vein into nearby tissue. While rare, we take precautions (IV catheter use, flushing before iron, slow drip) to minimize the risk.
Severe reactions are rare, but if you experience symptoms after you leave the clinic, like chest tightness or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions about iron infusion
Can I drive home after the treatment?
Yes, most people feel well enough to drive afterward.
Do you accept referrals from other healthcare providers?
Yes—as long as recent lab results (especially ferritin levels) are provided.
Is a blood test required?
Yes. We need recent bloodwork—ideally within the past month—to prescribe an iron infusion safely.
What types of iron infusions do you offer and how often?
Non‑pregnant patients:
Monoferric 1,000 mg if ferritin is < 30 μg/L – usually a single infusion
Monoferric 500 mg if ferritin is > 30 μg/L – usually a single infusion, but more may be needed
Pregnant and non‑pregnant patients:
Venofer 200 mg – up to five treatments (totaling 1,000 mg), followed by re‑testing in 4–6 weeks to assess the need for more
Are iron infusions covered by my benefits?
Most likely, depending on your plan.
The infusion cost ($200–230) may be covered under your Naturopathic benefits
The iron dose (Venofer or Monoferric) may be covered under your Drug benefits
What are the estimated costs if I don’t have coverage?
Monoferric (1,000mg):
$600 for iron + $230 for infusion = $830 total
Monoferric (500mg):
$320 for iron + $230 for infusion = $550 total
Venofer (200mg):
$240 (iron and infusion combined) = $240 per infusion (up to 5 sessions)
Note: Your iron prescription may be covered under drug benefits, and the infusion under naturopathic benefits, depending on your plan.
Is an iron infusion the same as an iron injection?
No. Infusions use an IV drip into your vein, while injections deliver iron directly into muscle tissue (usually the buttocks). Infusions are often preferred—they’re less painful, have fewer risks like staining or bleeding, and are more comfortable overall.