Services

What to Expect During Your Iron Infusion

We aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Initial consultation – Your GP reviews your blood test results, explains the benefits and risks, and arranges a prescription for the iron medication (usually Ferinject).
2. Scheduling – Once you have the medication, our team will book your appointment in our clinic.
3. Appointments are made for the morning, up to 1PM.
4. On the day – A small cannula is placed into a vein in your arm. The infusion takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and you’ll remain under observation for a short time afterwards.
5. Follow-up – Your GP will arrange repeat blood tests to ensure your iron levels are improving and to decide whether further treatment is required.

Throughout the process, you’ll be monitored by a trained nurse and doctor for your safety.

Possible Side Effects

Most people tolerate iron infusions well. However, mild short-term effects may occur, including:

• A temporary metallic taste or flu-like feeling
• Headache or muscle aches for a short period afterwards
• Bruising or discomfort at the injection site

Serious reactions are rare, and your GP and nurse will monitor you throughout and immediately after your infusion to ensure your safety.

Recovery and Aftercare

You may feel slightly tired for a day or two after your infusion, but many people notice gradual improvements in their energy and focus over the next one to three weeks.

Your doctor will arrange a follow-up blood test to confirm your iron levels have improved.

If your symptoms return or persist, please book a review appointment.

Cost and Medicare Rebates

Before your infusion, our team will explain all costs, including the Medicare rebate and the cost of the iron medication itself.

Typical costs include:

• GP consultation fee (Medicare rebates apply)
• Iron medication (usually purchased from your local pharmacy)
• Infusion procedure fee

If you have questions about rebates or eligibility, our reception team can explain your likely out-of-pocket cost before you book.

Zoledronic acid Infusions

Aclasta is an intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease, typically administered once a year.

Treatment with Zoledronic acid Zoledronic acid is given directly into the arm via a drip. The infusion takes between 15 and 30 minutes and can be performed annually.

Prior to the treatment, you will be required to get a blood test to check vitamin D, calcium levels, and renal function. The treating Endocrinologist must review these results before your treatment, to ensure it is safe to proceed.

Zoledronic acid benefits

• Increase bone density in patients with osteoporosis
• Reduce fracture rates
• Reduce bone pain in patients with bone disease

Possible Side Effects

• Some patients experience significant flu-like symptoms for up to 72 hours after infusion. These include fever, headache, muscle ache and joint aches.
• It is normal to experience some bone related pain and aching at sites where fractures have occurred.
• People with severe pre-existing kidney damage can sometimes experience deterioration in their kidney function after the administration of Zoledronic acid. This is why it is important to drink extra fluid on infusion day, and your doctor may advise you to cease medication that can affect the kidneys. However, Zoledronic acid is not normally given to people whose kidneys are not functioning well.
• Inflammation of the eyes (Uveitis) can occur When considering Zoledronic acid treatment, it is important to balance the small risk of side effects against the much greater risk of a major fracture.

Cost and Medicare Rebates

Before your infusion, our team will explain all costs, including the Medicare rebate and the cost of the Zoledronic Acid medication itself.

Typical costs include:

• GP consultation fee (Medicare rebates apply)
• Medication (usually purchased from your local pharmacy)
• Infusion procedure fee

If you have questions about rebates or eligibility, our reception team can explain your likely out-of-pocket cost before you book.