IV Iron Infusions: An essential treatment in Women’s Health

What is the big deal with iron?!

Iron is a key element in women’s health, pregnancy, and post-partum care, so naturally this service is highly sought after by our patients, and commonly recommended by our practitioners. Dr. Katrina Allison ND is now accepting bookings for IV Iron at RHC!

Did you know that 1 in 4 women suffer from iron deficiency? 

This issue often goes unnoticed and untreated. Symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, brain fog, hair loss, weakness, and shortness of breath could be signs of iron deficiency. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to get tested. Our clinic offers testing to determine your iron levels.

Maintaining adequate iron levels through diet alone can be challenging. Iron is a mineral that can be difficult to absorb, as many nutrients compete with iron for absorption. Even oral iron supplements may not work for everyone. When coupled with iron loss from menstrual bleeding, this issue becomes compounded. Some individuals may find their ferritin levels persistently low, in the mid 20s-30s which is not optimal and leaves most feeling far from their best. 

Dr. Katrina is now offering Intravenous (IV) Iron Infusions at Restoration Health Clinic!

Why Choose Infusions Over Oral Supplements? 

While oral iron supplements may cause side effects and are hard to stay consistent with, infusions offer a faster and more effective solution. Achieving normal iron levels can take 6-12 months with oral supplements, assuming the underlying cause of deficiency is resolved. Pursuing optimal iron levels can be frustrating. Infusions provide a safe, efficient way to raise iron levels, often requiring just a single session, especially for those who struggle with oral iron intake.

Iron in Pregnancy and Post-Partum:

Iron is a crucial nutrient required for a healthy pregnancy and iron needs go up significantly when growing a fetus! By the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, up to 65% of pregnant people are iron deficient. Infusions can be a great way to prevent and correct this deficiency to avoid bothersome symptoms and risks for the mother and baby. We can deliver iron infusions before conception, in the second and third trimester, or postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What would the process be to get an IV?

Your doctor or naturopathic physician can refer directly to our clinic. The referral must include a ferritin result from the last 3 months below a certain level that determines the dosage. You would be a candidate for at least one IV iron infusion if your level is below 100.

If you don’t have a doctor’s referral (or you are missing a ferritin lab value), you can book in with Dr. Katrina Allison ND for a consult to go over your history and get your hematology/ferritin requisition. After that, as soon as we have your results (assuming a ferritin less than 100 is confirmed), you can book in for an iron infusion.

2. How often and what types of iron infusions do you provide? Are they single dose, or recurring?

If you are not pregnant, we use:

Monoferric (1,000mg) if ferritin is <30 ug/L, and Monoferric (500mg) if ferritin is >30 ug/L.

Most will only need one infusion, but we would confirm 4-6 weeks after your first infusion with follow-up lab work (which we can provide), and book a second infusion if needed at that point.

If you are pregnant, we use:

Venofer (200mg) twice/week, usually completing up to 5 treatments (1,000mg total), and re-testing 4-6 weeks after the first series to confirm if further infusions are needed.

3. What are the costs for each type of infusion?

Monoferric 1,000mg (if ferritin is <30): infusion ($235) + 1,000mg dose ($600) = $835. This is likely a one time treatment unless the underlying cause of iron deficiency is not corrected.

Monoferric 500mg (if ferritin is >30): infusion ($235) + 500mg dose ($320) = $555 once OR twice, depending on how high your levels rise after the first.

Venofer 200 mg (if pregnant and ferritin is <50): infusion ($190) + 200mg dose ($125) = $315 up to five times, totaling 1,000mg, before retesting.

It’s important to note that some or all of these costs may be covered by your extended benefits plan. The cost of the iron prescription falls under your drug coverage, and can usually be claimed with 80-100% reimbursement. The cost of infusion itself may or may not be covered depending on your plan. We always recommend checking with your provider to understand whether these costs will be covered for you.

4. How long does it take?

Be prepared to spend up to 90 minutes in the clinic during your first infusion. Your initial visit and first infusion(s) will be done more slowly, and once accustomed, any further infusions will be quicker. The infusion itself will take 20-60 minutes within that time.

5. Is it safe?

IV Iron is a safe and effective treatment for iron deficiency. Dr. Katrina will discuss the safety profile with you before your infusion.