Iron Infusions
- On-site infusions
- GP supervised
- Ferinject® (ferric carboxymaltose)
- Medicare rebate may apply
- Post-infusion monitoring included
About the Service
If you are experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or difficulty concentrating, low iron levels could be a contributing factor. At Shire Family Medical, we offer on-site iron infusions as part of our approach to managing iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia.
For some patients, oral iron supplements are not effective or well tolerated — for example, due to nausea, constipation, or absorption issues. In these cases, an intravenous iron infusion (typically with Ferinject®) may be recommended by your GP.
The procedure is performed by our practice nurses under GP supervision, with monitoring throughout for your safety.
for the infusion itself
total visit including monitoring
minimum patient age
follow-up blood test
Indications
Iron infusions at Shire Family Medical follow a two-appointment process — a planning consultation first, followed by the infusion appointment once you have your medication.
- Persistent iron deficiency despite oral supplements
- Difficulty tolerating oral iron (nausea, constipation, or poor absorption)
- Significant iron loss from heavy menstrual periods
- Iron loss related to surgery or gastrointestinal conditions
- Pre-operative iron optimisation where appropriate
We’ll work with you to confirm the cause. Before recommending an iron infusion, your GP will review your symptoms and recent blood test results to confirm iron deficiency is the cause and that an infusion is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Iron deficiency can have a range of causes. Treatment effectiveness depends on identifying and addressing the underlying reason for low iron levels alongside any infusion.
How It Works
Iron infusions at Shire Family Medical follow a two-appointment process — a planning consultation first, followed by the infusion appointment once you have your medication.
Planning Consultation with Your GP
Your GP will assess your suitability for an iron infusion, review your blood test results, and — if appropriate — provide a prescription for Ferinject® (ferric carboxymaltose).
If you have been referred by a specialist or another GP, please bring that referral to this appointment.
Collect Your Ferinject® from a Pharmacy
The Ferinject prescription can be filled at any community pharmacy. Under the PBS, the approximate cost is ~$40 for two 500mg vials (10ml total).
Important: Do not book the infusion appointment until you have collected your Ferinject medication. You must bring it with you on the day.
Book Your 15-Minute Infusion Appointment
Once you have your Ferinject, contact our reception team to book a 15-minute appointment with a GP who supervises the procedure.
Your Infusion Day — What to Bring
- Your Ferinject medication (from the pharmacy)
- A copy of your recent blood test results
- Your GP referral (if applicable)
- Medicare card
The infusion is administered by one of our practice nurses under GP supervision and takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Post-Infusion Monitoring
You will be asked to remain at the clinic for 20–30 minutes after your infusion for observation. Although serious reactions to Ferinject® are uncommon, monitoring is standard practice with any intravenous medication.
Your doctor will discuss possible side effects at the time of your consultation.
Fees
There are two costs associated with an iron infusion — the medication cost from the pharmacy, and the clinic fee at Shire Family Medical.
Iron Infusion Fee Summary
The Ferinject® medication is obtained separately from a community pharmacy on your GP’s prescription. The pharmacy cost shown is an approximation under the PBS — your actual cost may vary depending on concession status.
Medicare rebate. A Medicare rebate may apply to the clinic fee. The rebate amount depends on the Medicare item number applicable to your situation. Our reception team can advise when booking.
Important Notes
Not Available During Pregnancy
Iron infusions are not administered at our clinic during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and require IV iron, please speak with your hospital or obstetric care team.
Age Restriction
Iron infusions are available for patients aged 14 years and over with an appropriate referral from a GP.
Follow-Up Blood Test
A follow-up blood test is recommended 2–3 months after your infusion to monitor your iron levels and assess your response to treatment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
An iron infusion involves delivering iron directly into the bloodstream through a vein in your arm. This method bypasses the digestive system and allows for faster correction of low iron levels compared with oral supplements.
The infusion itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes. You will be monitored before, during, and after the procedure, so please allow up to an hour for your total visit including the post-infusion observation period.
Yes. Recent blood test results confirming iron deficiency are required before an iron infusion can be administered. Your GP will review these at your planning consultation. If you do not have recent results, your GP may order them at or before your planning appointment.
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated. Common minor side effects can include headache, nausea, or temporary flushing. Serious reactions are uncommon, which is why post-infusion monitoring is included as a standard precaution. Your GP will discuss potential risks with you at your planning consultation.
The planning consultation allows your GP to confirm that iron deficiency is the cause of your symptoms, assess your suitability for an infusion, check for any contraindications, and provide the Ferinject® prescription. This step ensures the infusion is clinically appropriate and safe for you.
Most patients are able to drive home after the post-infusion observation period. However, if you feel unwell or lightheaded after your infusion, please let our nursing team know before leaving. It is always a good idea to arrange a lift or have someone available to collect you if you are concerned.
Your GP will provide a prescription for Ferinject® (ferric carboxymaltose) at your planning consultation. This can be filled at any community pharmacy. The approximate PBS cost is $40 for two 500mg vials. Please do not book your infusion appointment until you have collected the medication, as you must bring it with you on the day.
A Medicare rebate may apply to the $210 clinic fee. The rebate amount depends on the Medicare item number applicable to your situation. The Ferinject® medication is obtained separately from the pharmacy and is available under the PBS. Please speak with our reception team for current fee information.
Book an Appointment
Start with a planning consultation. Your GP will confirm suitability and provide your Ferinject® prescription.
~$40 via PBS from pharmacy
- Your Ferinject® medication
- Recent blood test results
- GP referral (if applicable)
- Medicare card
Ready to Book Your Iron Infusion?
Start with a planning consultation. Our team will confirm suitability and guide you through the next steps.