Low iron can cause exhaustion, breathlessness and difficulty coping with everyday tasks. Our women’s health GPs provide IV iron infusions in Coolangatta for patients across the Gold Coast and Tweed Valley. We use Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) or Monofer (ferric derisomaltose) when clinically appropriate, and we’ll help you choose the safest, most effective option for you.
Who might benefit from IV iron
- Iron deficiency anaemia with poor tolerance or poor response to oral iron
- Heavy menstrual bleeding causing or contributing to low iron
- Pregnancy or postpartum anaemia when tablets aren’t suitable or a faster response is needed (second/third trimester)
- Malabsorption (e.g., coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, post‑bariatric surgery)
- Preparing for surgery when anaemia is present and time is short
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or chronic kidney disease (as advised by your specialist)
How an iron infusion works
- Check cause and blood tests: full blood count, ferritin and other tests to confirm iron deficiency and assess causes (e.g., heavy periods).
- Choose the product and dose: we use Ferinject or Monofer. Dosing is based on your weight, blood count and iron stores. In some cases more than one infusion is needed.
- Consent and preparation: we explain benefits and risks (including rare allergic reactions and the risk of permanent skin staining if iron leaks outside the vein).
- The infusion: a small drip is placed in your arm, and iron is given slowly while you’re monitored. Bring water and something to read.
- Observation: you’ll stay for a short period after the infusion so we can ensure you feel well.
- Follow‑up: we repeat your blood tests 6–12 weeks after the infusion to confirm your iron stores have recovered and plan next steps.
Ferinject vs Monofer — which is right for me?
Both are modern IV iron formulations used in Australia. Your GP will tailor the choice to your health needs, dosing requirements and any previous reactions.
Some people need a higher total iron dose. Maximum dose per infusion is typically up to 20 mg/kg, to a maximum of 1000 mg, with further doses given at least a week apart if needed.
A drop in blood phosphate (hypophosphataemia) can occur after some iron infusions, particularly with repeated doses. If you’ve had multiple infusions, are underweight, have chronic diarrhoea, vitamin D deficiency or certain hormonal conditions, we may check your phosphate and tailor your plan.
Safety and possible side effects
- Common: headache, dizziness, metallic taste, flushing, itching or hives, nausea, joint aches, injection‑site reactions, temporary blood pressure changes
- Skin staining from iron leaking outside the vein is uncommon but can be permanent — tell us immediately if you feel pain or swelling near the drip so we can stop and reposition
- Allergic reactions are rare — we’re equipped to manage them and monitor you during and after the infusion
- We’ll advise when to pause oral iron; avoid taking oral iron for at least one week after an IV iron dose
Before your appointment
- Bring your current medicines list and any recent blood results
- Let us know if you take an ACE inhibitor (e.g., perindopril, ramipril) — we may ask you to skip the dose on the day
- Wear a short‑sleeved top and stay well hydrated
- Tell us if you’ve had a reaction to IV iron before, or if you have active skin rashes at the cannula site
After your infusion
- You can usually go home shortly after observation — most people can drive
- Mild symptoms over 24–72 hours usually settle; contact us if you’re worried
- Seek urgent care (000) for severe breathing problems, facial swelling, severe dizziness or collapse
- We’ll arrange repeat blood tests at 6–12 weeks and a plan to prevent future iron deficiency (e.g., treating heavy periods)
