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Feel tired, .. 
.. diagnosed with low Iron levels?  
                       Sina Medical Clinic offers Iron Infusion. 
Book your appointment

Types of Iron IVs we offer

There are three type of Iron IVs available in Canada and we offer all three to our patients depending on their needs:

   – Monoferric (iron isomaltoside)

   – Venofer (iron sucrose)

   – Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate)

IRON IV PRICE LIST*

Monoferric IV*

Iron Isomaltoside

$525

This is the cost for 1000mg of iron infusion (which may be covered by Special Authority). The total dose is done in one session. The fee to  administer the infusion is $225.**

Venofer IV*

Iron Sucrose

$355

This is the cost for 1000mg of iron infusion (which may be covered by Special Authority).  The total dose may need to be done in multiple sessions. The fee to  administer the infusion in each session is $125.**

Ferrlecit IV

Sodium Ferric Gluconate

$515

This is the cost for 1000mg of iron infusion (which may be covered by Special Authority).  The total dose may need to be done in multiple sessions. The fee to  administer the infusion in each session is $125.**

* Monoferric and Venofer are PharmaCare benefit medications with Special Authority. The pharmacist at Sina can help you to apply for coverage. 

** The admin fee covers the cost of infusion supply and the clinic staff to book and administer the infusion, this fee is not covered by MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) and the patient is responsible for the payment; however, most extended insurance companies cover the cost and admin fee of Iron infusions. You can check your coverage by contacting your insurance. 

STEPS TO FOLLOW

  • Ask your doctor to make a referral request for Iron IV
  • Book an initial appointment at Sina Medical. The doctor/nurse will assess to make sure you will benefit from an IV infusion.
  • Check with Sina Pharmacy to see if your IV dose is covered by PharmaCare.
  • Book an appointment for a nurse/doctor to administer the infusion.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

You can book an appointment using our Online Booking Platform for the medical clinic. Kindly use the link below. 

Book your appointment

>>You will be redirected to the Booking Platform<<

WHAT TO EXPECT

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

• Blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respirations are measured by a nurse.

• The nurse will start an intravenous (IV), which gains access to your bloodstream.

• There may be a test dose conducted the first time you receive the infusion, depending on which iron your doctor has prescribed. The test dose is to determine if an allergic reaction may occur.

DURING THE APPOINTMENT

• If you feel any pain or see swelling at the IV site, inform the nurse immediately.

• You will be monitored throughout the infusion and it is important to stay within Ambulatory Care.

• There is a chance of an allergic reaction occurring because of the iron. If you notice a rash, feel itchy, feel dizzy, or have trouble breathing inform the nurse immediately.

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT

• When the infusion is complete, the nurse will remove the IV.

• A delayed allergic reaction can occur in some people within 24 hours. Such reactions included: backache, pain in joints, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of discomfort.
If these symptoms do not subside within 24 hours, call your doctor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Iron deficiency is having too little iron in your body. Iron is in red blood cells.   Anemia is a low blood cell count. Specifically, you don’t have enough red blood cells.  You need iron to make hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.  When there isn’t enough iron in your body to make hemoglobin, your body makes too few red blood cells. 

Symptoms usually get worse little by little and include:

• Weakness and low energy
• Feeling cold
• Dizzy
• Irritable
• Pale skin
• Swollen tongue
• Headache

With very low iron, you may feel symptoms of pica (wanting to eat a substance that’s not food, such as ice, dirt, paint, or chalk).

The most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are: Bleeding and Increased need for iron when the body is growing.

The most common causes of bleeding vary by sex and age:

   – In younger women, heavy periods (menstrual bleeding)

   – In men and older women, bleeding from the digestive tract (stomach or intestines)

   – In older women, bleeding from the uterus

During periods of growth, such as pregnancy and early childhood, your body needs extra iron. To avoid iron deficiency during these times, you need to eat iron-rich foods, such as beef, chicken, and fish.

There are three routes you can follow  to counter iron deficiency anemia:

– Diet:  through eating foods high in iron (red meat, eggs, tuna, seafood, seafood, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and iron-fortified foods)

– Supplements – usually in the form of tablets, capsules,  or drinks (liquid)

– Intravenous (IV) iron infusions

Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is a method of delivering iron by infusion with a needle into a vein. (Medication that is given intravenously is called parenteral therapy).

The side effects of IV iron are usually minimal, but may include the following:

  • Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • Gastrointestinal pains, including nausea and cramps
  • Problems with breathing
  • Skin problems, including rash
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that can include difficulty breathing, itching, or a rash over the entire body)

When you should start to feel better depends on your particular situation. Normally, it may take from a week to a month after you start your iron supplement before you start to feel better. Continue to watch your symptoms and take note of side effects that might be caused by the supplements. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.

There are two costs associated with iron infusions: (1) the cost of the iron medication,  and (2) the cost of administering the IV infusion (admin fee). Details about the fees involved can be found here. 

Monoferric and Venofer are PharmaCare benefit medications with Special Authority. The pharmacist at Sina Pharmacy can help you to apply for coverage. In addition, majority of prescription drug costs are often covered for patients with extended health benefits. Sina Pharmacy staff can apply insurance coverage electronically and patients will simply need to pay any remaining amount. To administer the infusion, each clinic charges an admin fee which covers the cost of infusion supply and the clinic staff to process and administer the infusion, this fee is not covered by MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) and the patient is responsible for the payment; however, most extended insurance companies cover the cost and admin fee of Iron infusions. You can check your coverage by contacting your insurance.  As a general guide, if you have coverage under “Health Spending Account” or “Out of Hospital Nursing Coverage” you may be eligible to have some or all of the admin fee  reimbursed. If you need to submit an invoice for reimbursement, we will provide patients with all necessary documents/invoice.
IV Iron is a safe and effective way to replace iron stores and treat anemia in pregnancy and the post-partum period. Speak with you prenatal care provider to see if IV iron may be a good option for you when oral supplements are ineffective or not tolerated because of side effects. In Canada, Monoferric has not been formally approved for administration in pregnancy but is available for post-partum mothers.