Chevron Advanced Medical offers an easy and convenient iron infusion. We are located in Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise, with free 2P parking available.
Dr Andrew is highly skilled in administering IV drips and is able to provide iron infusions with either Ferinject or Monofer.
Please choose one of the options below to book online, or call us on 07 5538 8811.
Bookings:
Iron Infusion
- A referral is not needed (unless you are pregnant). There must be a valid medical reason for requiring an iron infusion, so please bring a recent blood test to your appointment.
- The fee is $220. Your Medicare rebate is $80. There is a $20 discount if you bring your own script or vials for the infusion. Therefore, the gap cost is between $120 to $140.
- DVA Gold - bulk billed.
- The cost of the IV iron vials is determined by the pharmacy, and ranges from $7 to $30 (with Medicare) or $300 without Medicare. If you don't have Medicare, please check with your private health insurance if they will cover the cost of Ferinject or Monofer from the pharmacy.
- Book online- Iron Infusion with Dr Andrew Thant
Iron Infusion - Pregnant
- Please read here before making a booking. You must have a referral and be over 16 weeks gestation if you are pregnant.
- The fee is $320. Your Medicare rebate is $118. There is a $20 discount if you bring your own script or vials of Ferinject for the infusion. Therefore, the gap cost is between $180 to $200.
- Book online - Iron Infusion (pregnant) with Dr Andrew Thant
Other important information for patients:
To schedule an iron infusion, you can call 07 5538 8811 or book online.
The Chempro on Chevron Island keeps stock of both the 500mg and 1000mg vials of Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) and 1000mg of Monofer.
If you don't have Medicare, please remember that there are significant additional costs from the pharmacy to purchase the IV iron vials. Please check with your private health insurance if they will cover the cost from the chemist.
What to expect during your appointment:
- If you are a new patient, please arrive 15min in advance to complete registration forms.
- If you haven't brought your own vial of Ferinject, you will be given a script to fill at the chemist next door by our doctor.
- Dr Andrew (Aung) Thant administers the iron infusion. He will place an IV cannula into a vein in your arm. Our nurse will take over towards the end of the iron infusion.
- The iron infusion should take between 20 to 40 minutes.
- For your safety, you should wait for 30 minutes following the iron infusion. This is in case a delayed allergic reaction occurs.
- Blood tests are usually checked again 6 weeks after the iron infusion.
- It is important to follow up with your GP to investigate the cause of your iron deficiency.
How can I get an iron infusion at Chevron Advanced Medical?
If you have been recommended by your doctor for an iron infusion, you are welcome to book with us. There should be a valid medical reason for requiring an iron infusion. You do not need a referral to get an iron infusion (unless you are pregnant).
If you have been recommended by your doctor for an iron infusion, you are welcome to book with us. There should be a valid medical reason for requiring an iron infusion. You do not need a referral to get an iron infusion (unless you are pregnant).
Can I get an iron infusion during pregnancy?
Yes, iron infusions with Ferinject can be done after 16 weeks gestation. You will need a referral from your antenatal GP or obstetrician.
Can my child with iron deficiency get an iron infusion?
Yes, if they are over the age of 14, Ferinject can be administered.
Yes, if they are over the age of 14, Ferinject can be administered.
I have difficult veins. Can I still get an iron infusion?
Yes, if you have difficult veins, Dr Andrew Thant is happy to see you. A paediatric cannula may be used if your veins are very small.
Yes, if you have difficult veins, Dr Andrew Thant is happy to see you. A paediatric cannula may be used if your veins are very small.
Will an iron infusion save me time and money?
It can take up to 9 months of oral iron tablets to get to the desired level of iron in your body, compared to one iron infusion. In the long term, an iron infusion might end up costing less and working much faster.
It can take up to 9 months of oral iron tablets to get to the desired level of iron in your body, compared to one iron infusion. In the long term, an iron infusion might end up costing less and working much faster.
What is iron deficiency?
Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron also helps your muscles store and use oxygen. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
What is iron deficiency anaemia?
When the amount of iron in the body gets too low, the haemoglobin levels can fall below normal. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia. You can have iron deficiency with or without anaemia.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
The main symptom of iron deficiency is lethargy. You can range from feeling mildly tired to exhausted, affecting your quality of life. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath; hair loss; inflammation in the corners of your mouth; stomach pains; skin colour becoming more pale; mind fog; reduced endurance.
What causes iron deficiency?
As well as treating your iron deficiency, it is important to find the cause.
Common causes include...
- Increased need for iron, for example in pregnancy.
- Decreased input: inadequate intake or poor diet; inadequate absorption such as with celiac disease; bariatric surgery.
- Increased output: menorrhagia; GI bleeding which can occur with diseases of the bowel and stomach or secondary to medications such as NSAIDs or blood thinners.
Although we take referrals for performing the iron infusion, it is important to return to your regular doctor to investigate the cause of your iron deficiency.
What are my treatment options?
Iron can be taken via oral, intramuscular or intravenous routes.
- Oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment for iron deficiency. Your iron will slowly rise over 6 to 9 months. You can get side effects such as bloating, constipation and dark stools. If you have celiac disease or other disorders of absorption, this may not be effective.
- Intramuscular iron is an option if oral iron is not suiting you. It is usually given into the gluteus muscle, but has a high risk of staining the skin, which can be permanent. You may need weekly injections for a month or so depending on your individual case.
- Intravenous iron is the fastest way of replenishing your iron stores. This is administered into your vein via an iron infusion. The benefits of an iron infusion must be weighed against the risks.
What are the risks and side effects of an iron infusion?
You may experience side effects for around 2 days, after which you will improve quickly. The most common side-effects are: headache; dizziness; flushing; feeling sick or nauseas; muscle pain or spasms. The most important risks are: an allergic reaction; a risk of skin staining at the site where the needle is inserted. The risk may be reduced by having a trained doctor who performs many iron infusions, such as Dr Andrew Thant at Chevron Advanced Medical.
What are my treatment options?
Iron can be taken via oral, intramuscular or intravenous routes.
- Oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment for iron deficiency. Your iron will slowly rise over 6 to 9 months. You can get side effects such as bloating, constipation and dark stools. If you have celiac disease or other disorders of absorption, this may not be effective.
- Intramuscular iron is an option if oral iron is not suiting you. It is usually given into the gluteus muscle, but has a high risk of staining the skin, which can be permanent. You may need weekly injections for a month or so depending on your individual case.
- Intravenous iron is the fastest way of replenishing your iron stores. This is administered into your vein via an iron infusion. The benefits of an iron infusion must be weighed against the risks.
What are the risks and side effects of an iron infusion?
You may experience side effects for around 2 days, after which you will improve quickly. The most common side-effects are: headache; dizziness; flushing; feeling sick or nauseas; muscle pain or spasms. The most important risks are: an allergic reaction; a risk of skin staining at the site where the needle is inserted. The risk may be reduced by having a trained doctor who performs many iron infusions, such as Dr Andrew Thant at Chevron Advanced Medical.
How long does an iron infusion take?
Once the cannula has been inserted, the iron infusion can usually be completed within 15 to 25 minutes. If you require a slower infusion, please let us know before your appointment.
Once the cannula has been inserted, the iron infusion can usually be completed within 15 to 25 minutes. If you require a slower infusion, please let us know before your appointment.
How long does it take for an iron infusion to take effect?
An iron infusion is the quickest way of replenishing your iron stores. Most patients report positive benefits after a couple of weeks. The benefits from an iron infusion are faster and more pronounced than oral iron supplements.
An iron infusion is the quickest way of replenishing your iron stores. Most patients report positive benefits after a couple of weeks. The benefits from an iron infusion are faster and more pronounced than oral iron supplements.
What script do I need?
We perform iron infusions using either Ferinject or Monofer. Ferinject is readily available at the Chempro next door to us. If you prefer Monofer, please call your chemist to check where stock is available.
We perform iron infusions using either Ferinject or Monofer. Ferinject is readily available at the Chempro next door to us. If you prefer Monofer, please call your chemist to check where stock is available.
Where can I buy Ferinject? How much does it cost?
The Chempro Chemist in Chevron Island keeps stock of both the 500mg and 1000mg Ferinject vials. You can purchase the Ferinject just before your appointment. It costs around $30 on a PBS script, or around $7 on a concession card.
The Chempro Chemist in Chevron Island keeps stock of both the 500mg and 1000mg Ferinject vials. You can purchase the Ferinject just before your appointment. It costs around $30 on a PBS script, or around $7 on a concession card.
I don't have Medicare?
Without Medicare Ferinject will cost around $180 to $300 to buy at the chemist - depending on the dose. The iron infusion at the medical centre costs between $200 to $270 - depending on whether you are pregnant or not. Please check with your private health insurance if they will cover any of these costs.
Without Medicare Ferinject will cost around $180 to $300 to buy at the chemist - depending on the dose. The iron infusion at the medical centre costs between $200 to $270 - depending on whether you are pregnant or not. Please check with your private health insurance if they will cover any of these costs.
How much iron do I get?
The dose of Ferinject administered will depend on the extent of your iron deficiency, anaemia and your weight - this will be calculated by our doctor. If your GP or obstetrician requests a specific dose, this will be administered.