IV Iron Infusion Therapy

IV Iron Infusion is a medical treatment used to quickly restore iron levels in patients with iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. During the procedure, iron is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion, allowing the body to replenish iron stores more rapidly than oral supplements.

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IV Iron Infusion Therapy

Do I Need a Referral for IV Iron Infusion?

IV Iron Infusion Therapy is a medical treatment that requires a referral from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner prior to scheduling an appointment.

If You Have a Family Doctor:

You can ask your family doctor to fax or email a referral to our clinic. Once we receive the referral, our team will review it and contact you to schedule your IV iron infusion appointment.

Send Referral

If You Don't Have a Family Doctor

If you do not have a family doctor, you can book an appointment with one of our clinics. During your visit, the healthcare provider can assess you and send a referral if needed.

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Who This Treatment Is For

IV iron infusions may be recommended for patients who:

  • Have low iron or iron-deficiency anemia confirmed by blood work
  • Cannot tolerate oral iron supplements
  • Do not absorb iron well through the digestive system
  • Have ongoing blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding)
  • Malabsorption conditions such as:
    • Bariatric surgery
    • Celiac disease
    • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IV iron allows a higher dose of iron to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, helping replenish iron stores and improve symptoms more efficiently than oral supplements.

Note: IVs are infused according to the Product Monograph administration guidelines. IV iron prescriptions are filled through our in-house pharmacy and are billed through the patient’s prescription drug coverage. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance. The cost of IV iron administration is separate and will be charged in addition to the prescription. Patients must have completed blood work within the past 3 months. By proceeding, you authorize the provider to order additional laboratory tests, including iron level testing, if required. Some services may not be covered by OHIP and may require payment by the patient or coverage through private insurance or a Health Spending Account (HSA).

Who IV Infusion Treatment is for

Do I Need to Pay for IV Iron?

You will have to pay for your IV iron. If you have private insurance it may be on the list of covered medications.

If you qualify for coverage by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Plan Program (65+ years old, or with Ontario Works, Trillium or ODSP), intravenous iron should be covered.

ODB may cover some of the costs of IV iron if you meet the criteria below:

  • Your anemia did not improve with oral iron
  • You could not tolerate oral iron
Do I Need to Pay for IV Iron?

How the Process Works

1

Referral & Prescription

Your physician or nurse practitioner completes our IV Infusion Referral & Prescription Form and sends it to our clinic.

2

Medication Arrangement

Patients have two options:

  • Bring iron medication from their pharmacy, OR
  • Use our in-house pharmacy service, where we coordinate the medication for you.

IV iron prescriptions are filled through our in-house pharmacy and are billed through the patient's prescription drug coverage. Patients are responsible for any portion their insurance does not cover. Our team can help verify insurance coverage if needed.

3

Appointment Scheduling

Once the referral is received, our team contacts the patient to schedule an infusion appointment.

4

Infusion Appointment

During your visit:

  • A nurse will place a small IV line
  • The iron medication is administered slowly through the IV
  • The infusion typically takes 30–60 minutes
  • Patients are monitored for safety during and after treatment
5

Fees & Payment Information

There are two separate costs associated with IV iron therapy:

Prescription Medication Fee – The iron medication is a prescription filled by our in-house pharmacy. Patients are responsible for the pharmacy dispensing fee and medication cost.

Infusion Administration Fee – A separate clinic fee covers IV administration, medical supervision, supplies, and nursing care during the infusion.

A receipt will be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement assessment.

6

Aftercare

Most patients can return to normal activities the same day. Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up blood work to monitor improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most iron infusions take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the medication and dose.

Some patients require one infusion, while others may need two or more treatments, depending on their iron levels and physician recommendation.

Mild side effects:

  • Low grade fever
  • Ache/pain in bones
  • Passing dark urine
  • Skin problems, including rash
  • Nausea and stomach cramps

Severe side effects:

  • Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs or feet
  • Chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction) - this rarely happens

After you get IV iron, our medical team will watch you for 30 minutes. They will make sure you do not have a reaction or a drop in your blood pressure.

Please go to the emergency department or call 911.

Then let your doctor know what happened.

Many patients notice improvement in energy and symptoms within a few days to a few weeks.

IV iron therapy is generally safe and well tolerated when administered in a medical setting. Our staff monitors patients during the infusion.

Yes. Most patients are able to drive and return to their normal activities after treatment.

Yes. A physician or nurse practitioner must provide a referral and prescription before the infusion can be administered.

Yes. Patients may either:

  • Bring their prescribed iron medication from their pharmacy, or
  • Use our in-house pharmacy service for convenience.