Glow Integrative Clinic offers Iron Infusions in Victoria, BC

About Iron Infusions

IRON DEFICIENCY

Low iron is a common concern. Many people may know they have low iron or be experiencing symptoms but aren’t sure where to start.

Getting your blood work done is the first step in understanding your symptoms. From there, we can determine if iron is the true cause and whether supporting you with iron-rich nutrients, supplements, or an infusion is the best approach.

SYMPTOMS OF LOW IRON

You may experience some or all of the following symptoms. Please always speak with your doctor, as these symptoms can also be due to other conditions or nutrient deficiencies.

  • Fatigue

  • Shortness of breath, or a decrease in aerobic exercise stamina

  • Headaches

  • Cold hands and/or feet

  • Hair loss

  • Irritability, depression, or anxiety

  • Nail changes, e.g., spoon nails

IRON INFUSION VS SUPPLEMENTATION?

Starting an oral iron supplement is typically the first step in treating iron deficiency. There are various forms of iron supplements (which can be quite confusing!), so it’s important to work with your doctor to find one that works for you and continue for at least one month.

IV iron therapy offers a quick way to boost your iron levels. If you’ve tried oral iron supplements and they’re either not increasing your levels or you’re not tolerating them, an iron infusion is a safe and effective option. It can raise your iron levels in just 4 weeks, compared to months of supplementation.

IS AN IRON INFUSION RIGHT FOR ME?

The first step in correcting low iron is to determine why it’s low. Do you have a heavy period? Are you vegan or follow a primarily plant-based diet? Are you pregnant or postpartum? Are you struggling to absorb iron from your diet due to a malabsorption issue, such as Celiac disease or other digestive concerns?

We will always start with this conversation when we meet, unless you are already working with your doctor or naturopathic doctor to identify the root cause.

Eligibility for Iron Infusions

You may be eligible for iron infusions if:

  • You have tried iron supplements, but they are causing distressing symptoms (such as constipation or other digestive issues).

  • Iron supplements haven’t effectively increased your iron levels.

  • We have your blood work showing iron deficiency and/or anemia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) WHAT IS THE COST OF AN IRON INFUSION?

There are two forms of iron for infusions, Monoferric and Venofer, which will be decided during your first visit. The dose or amount of iron required and number of infusions is determined by your blood work (ferritin levels).

The cost of the treatments to receive the iron infusion are as follows: $90 for your initial pre-iron infusion consultation, $245 for the initial IV infusion, and $195 for subsequent visits for IV iron infusions at Glow Integrative Clinic. These sessions may be covered by your extended benefits.

The cost of the prescription for iron itself varies.

For Monoferric:

  • If your ferritin is above 30, the dose will range between 300–500 mg, which costs $225–$427.

    If your ferritin is below 30, a dose of 1,000 mg can be completed in two sessions, with each dose costing roughly $277.

Venofer is indicated for those who are pregnant in their second or third trimester. Prices vary slightly, but are similar to Monoferric.

2) HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

This depends on your ferritin level—the lower the ferritin, the more likely you’ll need two iron infusions. If you are pregnant, you may need more than two infusions. This will be discussed during your initial pre-iron consultation with your naturopathic physician.

3) IS THIS COVERED BY EXTENDED BENEFITS?

Once the naturopathic doctor has reviewed your blood work, they can determine how much iron you need to effectively raise your ferritin level. Glow Integrative will then fax a prescription for the iron to the local pharmacy. The pharmacy will contact you to obtain your insurance information and inform you whether the cost is fully or partially covered, and collect payment.

If your insurance covers naturopathic services, the infusion treatment may also be fully or partially covered, depending on your insurance provider.

4) HOW LONG DO THE INFUSIONS TAKE?

Depending on your dose, the infusion can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Please be well-hydrated and have something to eat before your appointment. Feel free to bring a book, podcast, or something cozy to enjoy during your infusion!

5) WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

As with most intravenous therapies, there are potential side effects. We take a slow and steady approach to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.

There is a small risk of severe allergy or anaphylaxis, which we take very seriously. A naturopathic doctor supervises the entire infusion, is trained in emergency medicine, and has the necessary supplies on-site for your safety. Some individuals may also experience a delayed hypersensitivity reaction 1–3 days after the infusion. During this time, you may feel feverish, achy (similar to flu-like symptoms), and may develop a rash. These symptoms should resolve on their own. However, some individuals do not experience any side effects.

You will receive post-infusion care instructions, including guidance on managing any possible delayed reactions.

6) HOW LONG UNTIL MY IRON LEVELS RISE?

It typically takes about 4 weeks to see an increase in your ferritin levels. Afterward, we will monitor your blood work and discuss nutrition or supplementation to help maintain your iron levels.

7) DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

No, you don’t require a referral. You can book a pre-iron consultation to get started.

8) HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

To get started, book a 15-minute pre-iron consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors. During this appointment, the naturopath will review the procedure and risks of the therapy. If you have recent bloodwork (within the past 3 months), please send it to us ahead of time. If you don’t have recent bloodwork, our naturopaths can discuss options for ordering it or send a release of records to your family doctor to obtain a copy.

Once they review your recent bloodwork, the naturopath will send a prescription for the appropriate type and amount of iron to a local pharmacy. The pharmacy will contact you to collect your insurance information and/or complete payment for the iron. The pharmacy will then deliver the iron prescription directly to us at Glow Integrative Clinic, and you can come in for your infusion.

The naturopathic doctor will generally book your initial iron infusion appointment during your pre-iron consult call. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 250-706-6633.

Meet the Team

  • Naturopathic Doctor

    I understand that health is so personal and we can achieve anything when we feel heard, empowered and understand our treatment options. I take people from feeling limited by their IBS, bloating or hormonal concerns such as PMS, and menopause to feeling in control and confident in their body.

    My journey to naturopathic medicine began after working as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation. I witnessed the value of a holistic approach to health care and understood that each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health are interconnected. As a naturopathic physician, I understand that health is a very personal issue. My goal is to spend the time getting to know you and your presenting symptoms so we can achieve your ideal state of health.

    I’m particularly interested in the connection between our gut, hormone and nervous systems. As a part of my comprehensive approach to your care, I consider all of these aspects of your health when developing your treatment plan.

    I am certified in acupuncture, IV therapy and hold my prescriptive rights.

    A little about me outside of clinic: I love coffee, a good laugh and running along the ocean.

  • Naturopathic Doctor

    Health goes beyond physical vitality and the absence of disease—it's a state of physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. When in balance, these aspects allow us to show up as our authentic selves and live a full, meaningful life. At the core of this balance is lifestyle medicine: the daily habits, rituals, and relationships we nurture that shape our long-term vitality.

    While I support all patients in building strong health foundations, my passion lies in women's health and hormones. Many women face hormonal imbalances that affect fertility, menstrual cycles, thyroid function, stress, metabolism, and symptoms of peri- or post-menopause. My focus is on restoring hormonal balance and supporting other functional pillars of health: digestion, energy, brain function, mood, sleep, heart health, detoxification, and immunity.

    Additionally, I am deeply committed to helping those with chronic, complex health conditions such as autoimmune disease, mold illness, chronic infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic), and mast-cell activation syndrome/histamine sensitivity, drawing from personal experiences with these challenges.

    I also enjoy the creativity of aesthetics and anti-aging medicine, blending holistic health practices with aesthetic treatments to help women feel more confident and radiant in their own skin.

    Outside the clinic, I enjoy my naked cat, Thomas, a good green juice, and great coffee. Experiencing the world is high on my bucket list, and I am passionate about all things nutrition and fitness—you can almost always find me lifting weights at an F45 class.

    Certifications: Prescriptive rights, IV vitamin therapy (including IV iron and ozone), advanced injections (prolotherapy), minor surgery, aesthetic medicine (cosmetic neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers), and acupuncture.