Book Appointment

Contact Hours

Monday to Friday:
8am to 6pm

Saturday:
9am to 4pm

Sunday:
9am to 1pm

Public Holidays:
9am to 1pm

Click here to contact us.

Outside of practice hours:
please call the locum service on
13 SICK (13 7425)
or 03 9429 5677.

In the event of an emergency:
Dial 000
or present to: Hospital Emergency Department.

Emergencies Departments are at:

Box Hill Hospital
(Eastern Health),
8 Arnold Street Box Hill
Ph: 1300 342 255

St Vincent’s Public Hospital
41 Victoria Parade Fitzroy
Ph: (03) 9231 2211

Iron Infusions

Overview – What is an iron infusion?

An iron infusion is a minor procedure whereby an iron containing medication is infused directly into the blood circulation via an intra-venous cannula.  The iron containing preparation circulates and is delivered to the body organs that require iron for normal functioning.

Iron plays a vital role in many other important processes in the human body, and is an essential element required for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells and of muscle tissue.

 

What do I need to do on the day of the iron infusion?

Your doctor will provide a script for Ferinject to be filled at the chemist at least 2 days prior to your appointment.

You must bring this medication with you on the day, otherwise the iron infusion cannot take place.

No special preparation is needed on the day of the iron infusion, although it is helpful if you have plenty of water to drink to make finding a vein for the infusion easier.  Your will be able to drive home after the infusion

 

How long will the Iron Infusion take?

It is best to allow 1.5hrs for the for the entire procedure.  This includes procedure preparation time, iron infusion time and observation time during and following the procedure. The iron infusion itself will take 20 minutes. You are then required to be observed for 30 minutes following the procedure.

 

What are the side effects of an iron infusion with Ferinject?

It is unusual to experience an significant side-effects from an iron infusion with Ferinject, however below are the known potential side effects to Ferrinject:

Common Side Effects Uncommon Side Effects Rare Side Effects
  • Headache
  • Nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea
  • Skin rash
  • Injection Site Reactions
  • Low blood pressure
  • Vomiting, heartburn
  • Muscle aches, backpain
  • Fever, fatigue, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet.
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Neck or mouth swelling
  • Anaphylaxis

These are very rare and are the main reason we have a protocol of observation on the day of infusion

 

Is there anything I need to do after the iron infusion?

It is always important to monitor your health after an iron infusion.  Upon leaving the clinic, you will be given a Iron Infusion Aftercare form that details the iron infusion procedure that has just taken place.  If at any time you experience significant symptoms listed on the sheet (chest pain, difficulty breathing, neck or mouth swelling or dizziness) you are to contact an Ambulance (Ph: 000) or your doctor who administered the iron infusion.

Fees

More details of fees for this service are available here.

Please contact us to book an iron infusion.