Iron Infusions Newcastle
Iron Infusions Newcastle
We are glad to announce that we provide iron infusions to adult patients (> 16 yo age).
$109 out of pocket + Cost of Iron
(Referring Doctor to kindly provide script)
Location - Newcastle
By appointment only - 02 40676908
Hunter Valley Haematology Cooks Hill Suites
14/235 Darby Street, Cooks Hill 2300
Parking available in Cooks Hill Commercial Centre, Level 1
How to refer?
Please refer to either Dr Karan Makhija, Dr Sam Yuen, Dr Wojt Janowski or Dr Ritam Prasad via
Fax 02 9190 5381 or E-mail – admin@hvhaem.com.au or
Cost of Iron Infusion
Please note you need a Doctor's referral to make a booking
Iron Infusions FAQ
What is Iron?
Iron is a natural mineral that is used by all cells in the human body to function properly. It is most abundant in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency results when iron losses or the body’s requirements exceed absorption.
Iron deficiency can affect several organs in the body, but because most of the body’s iron is used by red cells, one of the earliest consequences of iron deficiency is anaemia (a reduction in the total red blood cells and oxygen carrying capacity). When anaemia is due to iron deficiency, it is referred to as iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency is the most common blood disorder in the world and accounts for 50% of all causes of anaemia globally.
What causes iron deficiency?
Anyone can develop iron deficiency. People most at risk are women (due to monthly periods and childbirth), people >65 (reduced absorption and chronic disease) and people on blood thinners (chronic blood loss). Other causes of iron deficiency include:
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Low intake of iron – vegetarian/vegan diet, malnutrition
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Decreased absorption in the gut – Gastric surgery, Coeliac disease/Gluten-induced enteropathy, autoimmune atrophic gastritis, Ant-acid medications
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Chronic blood loss – Bleeding from gastrointestinal tract, heavy periods, bleeding from the urine, Blood-thinning medications, inherited bleeding disorders
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Increased iron requirement states – Pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester), infants, pre-schooler children and adolescents
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Other medical disorders – Kidney disease, Heart failure, Inflammatory bowel disease, Post-operative anaemia from major surgery
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Symptoms of iron deficiency can be mild and confused with many other medical problems. Symptoms can be due to iron deficiency anaemia or due to severe iron deficiency without anaemia. Common symptoms include:
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Fatigue/weakness
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Mental fog
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Restless legs syndrome
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Headache
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Exercise intolerance
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Shortness of breath on exertion
How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
Your Doctor can diagnose iron deficiency with blood tests. This includes a full blood count (FBC) to evaluate if there is anaemia and iron studies to check the amount of iron in your body (ferritin level). Iron studies can be affected by a number of conditions such as infection, inflammation or chronic diseases. Your Doctor can interpret these results with you.
How is iron deficiency treated?
There are two important aspects to the treatment of iron deficiency. The first is to find the underlying cause of iron deficiency and address this (see above). The second is to replace the iron, to improve or prevent anaemia and its symptoms. Your Doctor will be able to advise on a specific plan suited to your needs.
Iron deficiency can be treated by increasing your dietary iron intake, taking iron tablets or receiving an intravenous iron infusion. The fastest way to increase iron levels, correct iron deficiency anaemia and improve symptoms is with an iron infusion. An infusion may be used if you do not tolerate oral tablets due to side effects such as constipation/gastric irritation or if there is an inadequate improvement with tablets. Your Doctor can advise you whether an iron infusion is recommended for you.
It can take between one week to one month for symptoms of iron deficiency to start improving even after total body stores have been restored following 1-2 iron infusions.
What is an intravenous iron infusion?
Intravenous (IV) iron infusion involves delivering iron directly into your blood via a needle into a vein. There are a number of different IV preparations used around the world. In our Newcastle rooms, we use an iron infusion which has one of the safest side effect profiles based on international studies. The iron infusion takes up to 15 minutes followed by a 30 minute period of observation to make sure there are no problems. You may need more than one iron infusion to restore iron levels back to normal depending on the total body deficit.
What are the side effects of an iron infusion?
Modern iron infusion preparations are very safe and have been used around the world for many years. Most people having an iron infusion will not have any reaction. If a reaction to an iron infusion do occur, it is usually short lived and resolves after the iron infusion is completed. This can include:
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Nausea, cramps
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Headache/dizziness, Flushing
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Rash
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High/Low blood pressure
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Chest pain, breathing problems
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Injection site reaction
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Permanent skin staining (let your nurse know if there is pain during the infusion to avoid this)
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Anaphylaxis (Reported predominantly with older preparations of iron which we do not use. Estimated to occur in less than 1 in 200,000 people receiving iron infusions.)
If a reaction does occur, our specialist medical team will be able to provide prompt, appropriate medical care.
Are iron infusions safe in pregnancy?
The body’s demand for iron is three times greater during pregnancy and iron is needed for healthy foetal development. as well as to prevent anaemia for the mother after childbirth. Oral iron remains first-line treatment for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. However, if this is not tolerated, ineffective or a faster response is required, your Doctor may recommend an iron infusion. IV iron infusions are safe and well tolerated in the second and third trimester. They are not performed in the first trimester due to a lack of safety data.
What happens on the day?
You should have received a script for iron from your referring Doctor. If you do not have one, let us know in advance so we can provide one for you. You should fill that prescription at a pharmacy (there is one located in our building and can be filled before your appointment on the day).
After arriving at our Newcastle (Cooks Hills) rooms, you will be given a health screening questionnaire to ensure an iron infusion is appropriate for you. You will then meet our Nurse and Specialist Haematologist to discuss the iron infusion, the procedure and side effects.
The Nurse will insert a cannula into a vein in your arm through which the iron infusion will be delivered. The iron infusion will be delivered over 15 minutes. The nurse will stay with you throughout the procedure to monitor you. After the infusion, you will be observed for 15-30 minutes to ensure there are no late side effects.
How to prepare for an iron infusion
It is normal to feel anxious on the day of an iron infusion. You can help reduce anxiety by familiarising yourself with the procedure through our information sheets or discussing the procedure with your Doctor. Some basic things you can do to prepare for the infusion:
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Eat your usual breakfast/lunch meal. There is no need to fast
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Drink plenty of water
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Take your regular medications as usual
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Wear comfortable clothing