We are excited to announce that Polo Health + Longevity Centre will now be offering and administering safe and effective iron infusions including both Iron Sucrose (Venofer) and Monferric under the guidance and supervision of  Emergency Physican Dr. Steven Blyth, MD.  

All of our infusions are administered by ER trained nurses under Dr. Blyth’s oversight and guidance.

What is Iron?

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a component of blood which carries 4 oxygens from the lung to the rest of the body.

What is an iron infusion?

An iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is delivered to your body intravenously, meaning into a vein through a needle. This method of delivering a prescribed medication or vitamin/mineral cocktail is also known as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Iron infusions are generally prescribed by doctors to treat iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is typically treated with dietary changes and iron supplements that you take in pill form, however in some cases, iron levels remain quite low despite these efforts, and stronger therapeutic action is needed to bring iron levels up. In these cases, doctors may recommend iron infusions instead.

Iron deficiency anemia is very common in women and can be caused by a variety of conditions such as:

• Diet (Vegetarian or not eating enough iron rich foods);
• Inability to absorb iron through the stomach, ulcers or GI bleeding;
• Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles;
• Pregnancy;
• Colon Cancer
  
  Other medical conditions;

Signs and Symptoms of low iron may include:

• Weakness and fatigue;
• Dizziness and lightheadedness;
• Pale skin and pale overall appearance;
• Feeling cold;
• Irritable;
• Headaches;
• Easy bruising;
• Hair loss

Before your iron infusion, appropriate bloodwork will be reviewed to ensure you are a candidate for the infusion. At the time of your initial appointment, blood pressure, heart rate and temperature will be measured by our nurse.

Your IV will then proceed, with a possible dose test to determine if an allergic reaction may occur.

During the Infusion, you will be continually monitored. If you feel any pain or swelling, itchiness, dizziness or shortness of breath, inform the nurse immediately. There may be a chance of allergic reaction in a small percentage of people receiving iron infusions.

Polo Health + Longevity Centre is currently set up to accept referrals from both family physicians and specialists, on the premise that a medical workup for anemia including appropriate blood work has been completed. In the event that bloodwork hasn’t been completed, our Physician is able to complete necessary labwork prior to the iron infusion.

-Please see below for the downloadable referral form necessary to complete this process by your physician or specialist.

Speak to your healthcare provider to see if Iron infusions are the right treatment option for you.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any other questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the infusion take?

Initial infusion appointments, excluding workup and diagnostic lab review, take anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on type of iron used.There may be rare circumstances where an infusion might require more time.

Do I need a referral for an Iron Infusion?

We accept referrals from you primary physician, or specialist with a completed Polo Health Iron Infusion Referral Form. Please have the referral forms faxed to 604-544 7657 or emailed to admin@polohealth.com Subject line: Iron Infusion Referral form.

If you do not have a referral, no problem. You can still get an Iron infusion at the clinic. Dr. Blyth will consult with you, send you for the appropriate labwork, and will then prescribe the iron if he feels is indicated for you.

When can I expect to feel better?

Typically, initial improvements are noted 5-7 days after the infusion, with more marked improvements occurring 2-3 weeks post infusion.

Follow up bloodwork will be performed 6 weeks after your infusion to see where your current levels are at.

How long do the infusions last for?

This varies on an individual patient basis. After your 6 week follow up blood work, the doctor will decide if another dose is warranted. Usually one dose of Monoferric is sufficient and patients don’t require more. Iron sucrose on the other hand, may require up to 4 individual doses depending on bloodwork. At that time, the doctor will decide the dosage schedule.

How do I prepare for the Infusion?

We ask you to be well hydrated in advance of you appointment to ensure easy access to your veins. Dress in comfortable clothing as you will be sitting for roughly 1-4 hours dependant on type of iron used.

Do I need to keep taking my iron supplements after my Infusion?

Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, we don’t recommended continuing on oral iron supplements after your infusion.

How much do the Infusions cost?

There are two costs, both of which may be covered if you have extended health or prescription coverage.

Firstly, the iron is a prescription written by the pharmacy to be filled at the pharmacy. There are 2 types of prescriptions that may be filled, depending on your needs and your coverage.

These include Monoferric and Iron Sucrose (Venofer) prescriptions, or if special authority coverage may apply.

The cost varies between $400.00-500.00 for a one time (only required) dose of Monoferric, or 4 separate infusions of Iron Sucrose.

The second cost is the IV infusion fee you pay at the clinic at the time of your infusion.  This fee is not covered under MSP.  This fee covers the cost of the other various materials and supplies and the Nurse/Physician supervision. This infusion fee for Monferic is $250.00, and $125.00 per Iron Sucrose infusion (may need up to 4 infusions).  These costs may or may not be covered under a health spending account.

Does my Insurance cover the cost of the iron Prescription?

Some of these prescription costs may or may not be covered.  We kindly ask that you first check with your insurance provider or employer to determine whether or not you have coverage.

There may be options available for those who do not have coverage.

Are there any side effects of the iron infusion?

It is not common to experience any side effects, however some patients may experience a slight flushing sensation or mild rash during their infusion. This is mitigated by stopping or slowing the infusion as needed.

There is a small chance that a patient has an allergic reaction, and if that is the case, we don’t recommend further iron infusions for that patient. The ER physician and ER nurses are always on site at the time of the infusion, and all necessary emergency precautions and supplies are on hand for your safety.

Some patients may experience a mild flu like sensation for a few days after the infusion, which should resolve on its own, along with other symptoms of a darker urine colour. Again, should resolve on its own. If you do experience any other symptoms or concerns after your infusion, do not hesitate contact the administrative staff at the Clinic.

 

CLICK HERE FOR REFERRAL FORM