Restore Your Iron Levels and Improve Your Energy
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and can significantly impact energy, mood, cognitive function, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life. For some individuals, oral iron supplements are not well tolerated or do not adequately restore iron levels.
Iron infusion therapy delivers iron directly into the bloodstream, allowing for more efficient replenishment of iron stores compared to oral supplementation.
At our clinic, iron infusions are provided through a delegated medical process in collaboration with a Nurse Practitioner (NP), following appropriate assessment, authorization, and prescribing protocols.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can occur with or without anemia.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
- Weakness
- Restless legs
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Pale skin
Who May Benefit From Iron Infusion Therapy?
Iron infusions may be considered for individuals who:
- Have confirmed iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia
- Have not responded adequately to oral iron supplementation
- Cannot tolerate oral iron due to gastrointestinal side effects
- Have conditions affecting iron absorption
- Experience ongoing blood loss (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Require more rapid correction of iron deficiency
Eligibility is determined through clinical assessment and laboratory testing.
The Iron IV Process
To ensure safe and appropriate prescribing, iron infusions follow a structured, delegated-care pathway involving both our clinic and a collaborating Nurse Practitioner.
1. Iron Consultation at Rebalance
Current patients:
- Book a 60-minute iron consultation with Dr. Christina Appleton, ND
- Please ensure your iron-related bloodwork is completed within the last 1–6 months and ensure that you have all the required blood work needed.
New patients:
- Begin with a New Patient Visit, which may include the iron consultation
- Required intake forms must be completed prior to your appointment
Following your visit, your practitioner will review your case and, if appropriate, submit a referral and supporting documentation to our collaborating Nurse Practitioner (NP).
2. Nurse Practitioner Assessment
Once your referral is reviewed and accepted:
- The NP office will contact you directly to schedule your appointment
- Typical wait time: 2–3 weeks
- Appointment cost: approximately $70–$130, depending on length (paid directly to the NP clinic)
- If additional bloodwork is required, the NP will provide requisitions (typically covered by OHIP)
3. Iron Prescription
If you are approved for treatment:
- The NP will issue an iron prescription to your preferred pharmacy
- Prescription cost typically ranges from $500–$1,000, depending on product type and dosage
- Some or all of this cost may be covered through extended health insurance benefits
4. Iron IV Infusion at Rebalance
Once you have received your iron medication:
- Contact our clinic to schedule your infusion appointment
- Infusions are currently offered on Mondays and Thursdays
- Please bring your prescribed iron medication with you to your appointment
- Total clinic time is approximately 90 minutes to 3 hours, including a 30-minute post-infusion monitoring period
- Iron IV administration fee: $300
- Some insurance plans may cover part or all of this fee
What to Expect During Your Infusion
- Treatment takes place in a comfortable, monitored clinical setting
- Vital signs may be checked before, during, and after treatment
- Most patients tolerate the infusion well and are able to rest during the session
- A short observation period follows completion of the infusion to ensure safety
Potential Side Effects
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle or joint aches
- Dizziness
- Metallic taste
- Injection site discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I feel results?
Some patients notice improvements within days to weeks, while others experience gradual improvement as iron stores rebuild.
Will I need more than one infusion?
This depends on your iron levels and clinical presentation.
Do I still need oral iron?
This is individualized based on your response and underlying cause of deficiency.
Is bloodwork required?
Yes. Recent iron studies are required to determine eligibility and guide treatment.
A Comprehensive Approach to Iron Deficiency
While iron infusions can rapidly restore iron levels, we also aim to identify and address underlying contributors such as dietary intake, digestive health, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other medical factors. Our goal is to support both symptom improvement and long-term iron balance.
Book a Consultation
If you suspect iron deficiency or have been advised that your iron levels are low, our team can help determine whether iron infusion therapy is appropriate for you.
Contact us to schedule an assessment and learn more about your options.
