The symptoms of low Iron can mimic a multitude of health issues

• Depending on the severity of iron deficiency, the symptoms can include various non specific symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails and hair loss.
• The symptoms can also include serious symptoms such as dizziness shortness of breath, headaches, changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
• Lack of iron also commonly mimic mental health symptoms such as poor sleep, lack of concentration, mood swings, depression and anxiety

It is important to find out the reason for Low iron levels.

• Iron levels are clinically measured by a Blood test, assessed by the pathology company and a report sent to your regular GP.
• Your GP would review your results and if you have clinically low Blood Iron levels your GP will discuss with you as follows:
• Why your iron levels are low. This may mean you need further investigations to the cause (Low Iron is not a cause or diagnosis, it is a sign that something isnt in balance at the time)

Causes of low Iron can include:

• Inadequate iron intake: Low iron can be commonly caused by lack of iron-rich food in the diet. Vegetarians and vegans may be at a higher risk, as iron from plant-based sources is not as easily absorbed by the body as iron from animal sources.
• Blood loss: Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding or those who has sustained blood loss from gastrointestinal causes like ulcer or haemorrhoids, can lead to iron depletion in the body.
• Malabsorption: Certain medical conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron from food.
• Increased iron requirements: Pregnant women, infants, and children may require higher levels of iron, and a lack of sufficient iron intake can lead to anemia

What changes may need to be made - This could be dietary changes when your current food intake doenst have enough Iron naturally

• You may need to take Iron supplements like iron tablets for a period of time. (always the first choice for iron supplements when diet is not adequate)
• When you need to have your Blood test re- measured.
• If these changes are not effective you may be recommeded to have an "Iron Infusion"

What is an Iron Infusion?

• An Iron Infusion is a medical Procedure. The guidelines advise this should be used only when other options have been unsuccessful.
• It is an efficient way to increase your Iron level in a short period of time.
• An iron Infusion is where you have Iron Mixed with sterile Saline in an Intravenous drip (IV drip) which is injected directly into a vein in your arm over about a 15 minute period. You are kept in the practice under observation for about 1 hour to ensure you are monitoed for any potential reactions. (risk is very low, but can happen)

• Iron infusion is generally a safe procedure with minimal risk.

1. The most significant risk of iron infusion is severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis to the iron material.
2. There is also a risk of iron leakage from the drip site. The extravasation can lead to skin irritation or permanent discolouration of the skin

• The Nurse and the doctor will closely monitor your progression during the infusion. The doctors and nurses will also take steps to reduce potential risk associated with iron infusion by:

1. Appropriate selection of vein for cannulation.
2. Use appropriate infusion equipment
3. Appropriate or slowing down the iron infusion rate.
4. Monitor the drip site closely by the nurse for swelling, pain or discolouration.

• You are required to notify the nurses if the following symptoms occur during the infusion:
  1. Unwell, nausea or dizziness
  2. Pain at cannula site.
  3. Racing heart or palpitation
  4. Shortness of breath or chest tightness
  5. Abdominal pain or discomfort

• You will also be asked not to be left alone at any stage for 30 minutes after the infusion.

Possible Side Effects from an Iron Infusion

• Flushing or sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Local redness or swelling at the cannula site
• Skin Rash

These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few hours.

Generally, the iron infusion is considered to be well-tolerated and painless. Some patients may feel mild discomfort at the cannula site or metallic taste in their mouth.

There is a cost involved for an Iron Infusion. These include

1. The prescription for the Iron. A prescription will be given to you prior to the day to obtain the iron from teh pharmacy at your cost.
2. The Procedure requires the use of instruments to administer the IV drip. (consumables)
3. The Nurse time for the procedure and monitoring pre, during and post procedure, including expaining the procedure, obtaining consent, setting up and monitoring your Blood pressure, Heart rate etc.
4. The GPs time to attend when needed and to answer other questions.

The iron Infusion service at Don Medical Clinic Is only available to current "Active" Don Medical Clinic patients where the GP recommends this under clinical guidelines. It is not a "free" service and cannot be "Bulk Billed" as the service cannot be provided a the rebate Medicare pays. If you cannot afford to pay the fees, your GP can discuss alternative services available.

Fees (as of March 1st, 2025)

1. Iron Infusion (including consumables and Nurse time) - $145.00. (Concession $130.00)
2. Plus GP Visit - from $95. ($77 conc) to $143 ( $117 conc) - Medicare rebate applies (from $42.85 up $82.90)
3. Out of pocket cost - Concession card holder approx $164.15, Full fee patient approx $205). PLUS the cost of the Iron Prescription (Ferrinject" Prescription. approx $40 from Pharmacy.)

Your GP will provide you with a Prescription for the iron medication. You must have arranged to collect this from the Pharmacy prior to your scheduled appointment and bring it with you on the day. We do not stock this medication. If you forget it and have to re-schedule there will be a cancellation fee.