Iron IV Therapy

Iron deficiency can impact energy, mood, hair, exercise tolerance, focus, and overall quality of life. When oral iron is not tolerated or hasn’t worked, IV iron may be a safe and effective option.

When Is IV Iron Recommended?

IV iron may be appropriate if:

  • Ferritin is low (generally <30 mcg/L, or low relative to inflammation)

  • You have iron deficiency anemia

  • Oral iron has failed after 3+ months

  • You cannot tolerate oral iron

  • You have poor absorption (celiac, IBD, post-bariatric surgery)

  • You have ongoing iron loss (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding)

  • Symptoms are significantly affecting daily life

  • You require iron repletion before surgery

  • Pregnancy (after first trimester) with iron deficiency

  • Meeting with Naturopathic Doctor

    You may book a 30 Minute IV Initial Consult (Virtual) if you are only interested in Iron IV and not comprehensive Naturopathic Care (or those being referred by another healthcare professional)

    Please book a 1 Hour Initial Naturopathic Visit if you wish to access comprehensive care (includes: nutrition counselling, supplement prescription, hormone therapy, exercise prescription, and lifestyle counselling)

    Before treatment, we require lab work that has been done in the last 3 months:

    • CBC

    • Ferritin

    • Inflammatory marker (ESR or CRP)

    • eGFR

    • Transferrin saturation

    This may be ordered by the ND at your first meeting or sent to us before your visit if you have had this completed by another healthcare professional. Blood work ordered by our ND is not OHIP covered but may be eligible for submission to your insurance

  • IV iron requires a prescription.

    Your ND completes your assessment, and then refers your case (with your consent) to our collaborating Nurse Practitioner (NP):

    Our NP:

    • Reviews your case

    • Writes the prescription (if appropriate).

    • Provides a follow-up lab requisition for 4–6 weeks post-treatment

    You will pick up the iron from your pharmacy and bring it to your IV appointment.

  • Before your infusion

    • Review and sign consent

    • Vitals checked

    During your infusion

    • Iron is diluted in saline and given slowly

    • Rate starts low and increases gradually

    • You are monitored throughout

    • Infusions typically take 30–90 minutes depending on dose.

  • Most people tolerate IV iron well.

    Common (usually mild):

    • Headache

    • Flushing

    • Metallic taste

    • Mild aches or fatigue

    Rare:

    • Allergic reaction

    • Breathing difficulty

    • Iron tattoo

    Our team is trained and equipped to manage reactions if they occur.

    • Monitored for 15 minutes post-treatment

    • Complete your bloodwork 4–6 weeks later (req is given by our NP- there is generally no additional cost for this)

    • Follow up with your ND after the lab work, who then reviews results and determines if additional treatment is needed

    • We continue addressing the root cause of iron deficiency with Naturopathic Care

    • Your Initial IV Iron Appointment is $165 (for comprehensive Naturopathic care, an Initial Naturopathic Appointment is $375)

      • If being referred by another ND a 30 minute Iron IV Intake is still required for assessment and comprehensive consent discussion around Iron IV.

    • Blood work through the ND (if not already completed in the last 3 months from another provider is approximately $150-200 (and may be eligible to submit through insurance).

    • $100 Referral/ Delegation Fee for our NP to review your chart and prescribe Iron if appropriate

      Your follow up lab work is included in this fee and is usually free of charge

    • Iron Prescription can range from $300-$600 but this is most often covered by your drug plan. You may wish to call them in advance and inquire if they cover “Monoferric or Venofer Iron” if prescribed by an NP. Most plans do cover this.

    • Iron IV Appointment Fee of $160 (can be claimed to most insurance plans) + Iron IV Supply Fee $50 (not usually claimable to insurance)

    • Follow up appointments with the ND as required (30 minutes - $165). If you are being followed by another provider, this may not be required.

Our Approach

IV iron at our clinic is:

Evidence Based

Individually Dosed

Prescribed through medical collaboration

Carefully Monitored

Followed with appropriate reassessment

Our goal is not just to raise ferritin — but to safely restore your energy and long-term health.

For Health Care Providers Looking To Refer

Please share the process with your patient to ensure they understand the SOP and all fees associated

A short referral letter + lab work can be faxed

If your patient meets the listed criteria above you can instruct them to book an Initial IV Iron Appointment

If you are unsure if your patient would be a candidate you can email or fax us your consultation question before referring them at admin@drkatend.ca