IRON IV THERAPY · BURNABY, BC

Iron Infusions.
Fast, safe, effective.

Iron infusions (IV iron) at Oak Integrative deliver iron directly to your bloodstream — rapidly restoring iron and hemoglobin levels when oral supplementation isn't enough. Administered by our trained naturopathic doctors in Burnaby. Referrals welcome.

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Iron infusion anemia Burnaby
Iron infusion near me Burnaby

OVERVIEW

Iron delivered directly
where your body needs it

An iron infusion supplies iron directly to your bloodstream through an intravenous line — bypassing the digestive system entirely. This makes it significantly more effective and better tolerated than oral iron supplements, and is capable of restoring iron and hemoglobin levels far more rapidly.

Iron infusions are particularly indicated when:

  • You have iron deficiency anemia that hasn't responded to oral iron

  • You cannot tolerate oral iron supplements due to side effects such as nausea, constipation, or abdominal pain

  • You have a condition that impairs iron absorption in the gut (e.g. Celiac disease, IBD, bariatric surgery)

  • You have excessive blood loss — through heavy menstrual periods, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding

  • You are pregnant and require rapid iron repletion

  • You need a faster response than oral supplementation can provide

Please note: A consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors is required before your first iron infusion. Bloodwork — including serum ferritin — must be completed within 3 months of your appointment. Our doctors may prescribe a requisition during your consultation.

UNDERSTANDING IRON DEFICIENCY

Why iron matters —
and what happens when it’s low

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin — the protein that carries oxygen through your body. When iron is too low, your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms that significantly affect daily life. You don't need to have full anemia to feel the effects — low ferritin (iron stores) alone can cause debilitating tiredness and hair loss, even when hemoglobin looks normal on paper.

COMMON CAUSES

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods

  • Pregnancy and postpartum blood loss

  • Poor gut absorption (Celiac, Crohn's, IBD)

  • Post-bariatric surgery

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Vegetarian or vegan diet

  • Chronic kidney disease

COMMON SYMPTOMS

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Pale skin

  • Restless legs

  • Brittle nails

  • Poor exercise tolerance

  • Shortness of breath

  • Hair thinning & loss

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Cold hands & feet

  • Headaches & dizziness

  • Anxiety & low mood

WHY INFUSIONS OVER ORAL IRON?

Iron infusions work faster, raise levels more significantly, and are far better tolerated — with none of the nausea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort that oral iron commonly causes. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 1–2 weeks.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Two types of iron infusion
available at Oak Integrative

Monoferric

FERRIC DERISOMALTOSE / IRON ISOMALTOSIDE

Monoferric is a newer, high-dose iron formulation that can be administered in larger amounts per infusion — often allowing iron repletion in a single treatment session. It requires a longer infusion time than Venofer but is highly effective for most adult patients requiring significant iron restoration.

  • Higher dose per infusion — often single session

  • Longer infusion time (approximately 90 minutes)

  • Suitable for most adult patients

  • Not recommended during pregnancy

Venofer       

IRON SUCROSE                                                           

Venofer (iron sucrose) is a well-established, extensively studied iron formulation administered in smaller doses per infusion. It is the preferred option for pregnant patients and those who require a more gradual repletion approach. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the degree of deficiency.

  • Smaller doses per infusion — usually completed in multiple sessions

  • Longer infusion time (approximately 90 minutes)

  • Preferred option during pregnancy

  • Well-studied with an excellent safety record

The type of iron infusion recommended for you will be determined by your naturopathic doctor based on your individual health history, degree of deficiency, pregnancy status, and clinical needs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your iron infusion journey

STEP 1

01

PRE-IRON PHONE CONSULTATION (15 MINUTES)

Before your first infusion — even with a referral — a brief 15-minute phone consultation with our IV iron-trained naturopathic doctor is required. Your ND will review your health history and lab work, and walk you through the risks and benefits of treatment. If IV iron is right for you, your prescription can be filled in two ways: purchase Monoferric iron directly from us in-house, or have it sent to a local pharmacy. Direct billing available for the consultation. Receipts provided for extended health benefit coverage for in-house iron purchase.

STEP 2

02

LAB WORK ( IF NOT ALREADY DONE )           

If you don't have recent bloodwork, your ND can requisition the required test — serum ferritin (approximately $46 private pay). Patients may submit the receipt to their extended health insurer for reimbursement. We also offer in-house blood draws for Oak patients with our lab technician, eligible for extended health coverage with direct billing available. Lab results must be dated within 3 months of your infusion. Please eat and hydrate well before your blood draw.

BOOK CONSULTATION
PRE & POST CARE

STEP 3

03

IRON INFUSION (90 MINUTES )                         

Your infusion is administered in our dedicated IV suite. A small IV line is placed and the iron is delivered at a controlled rate. We monitor you closely throughout your session — staying with you for the first 10–15 minutes and checking in regularly. Most patients find the infusion comfortable and relaxing. Please eat and hydrate well before your appointment. You can return to most normal activities afterward.

Follow-up testing: Your naturopathic doctor may retest your iron levels approximately 4–6 weeks after your infusion to assess your response to treatment and determine whether additional infusions are needed. It can take a few days to a week to begin noticing the effects of treatment — improvements in energy and symptoms typically become noticeable within 1–2 weeks.

LAB REQUIREMENTS

Blood tests required
before your infusion

To ensure iron infusion therapy is safe and appropriate for you, the following blood work must be completed within 3 months of your appointment. Your naturopathic doctor can order these tests if you don't already have recent results.

If you have existing lab results from your GP or specialist, please have them sent to our clinic before your consultation — this may save you time and additional lab fees. You may email your lab work to office@oakintegrative.com.

Required blood test

✓ Serum Ferritin

✓ Additional tests may be ordered depending on your clinical presentation

Lab work can be completed through LifeLabs, your GP's office, or at our clinic (additional fee applies). Please email copies of any existing recent bloodwork to office@oakintegrative.com before your consultation.

SAFETY & SIDE EFFECTS

Well tolerated.
Closely monitored.

Iron infusions are generally very safe and well tolerated. The majority of patients experience no significant side effects. Your naturopathic doctor will discuss potential side effects in detail at your appointment.

Possible side effects

Most clients tolerate iron infusions without any significant side effects. Occasionally, some individuals may experience:

  • Mild flushing or skin redness during or after the infusion

  • Temporary flu-like symptoms (muscle or joint aches) for 1–2 days after treatment

  • Minor bruising or discomfort at the IV site

  • Headache or nausea (uncommon)

There is a very small risk of serious allergic reaction (0.004%). We stay with you for the first 10–15 minutes of every infusion and monitor you closely throughout. Aftercare instructions and prescriptions for any post-infusion symptoms are provided as needed.

FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Referring a patient
to Oak Integrative

We welcome referrals from primary care providers and allied health professionals for patients who may benefit from iron infusion therapy. Our naturopathic doctors will conduct a pre-iron consultation, review all lab work, and work collaboratively with the referring provider to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Who can refer?

We accept referrals from the following healthcare providers:

✓ Medical Doctors (MDs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

✓ Midwives

✓ Registered Dietitians

✓ Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)

✓ Gastroenterologists and Specialists

✓ OB/GYNs and Maternal Care Providers

Please note: Even with a referral, a 15-minute IV iron consultation with our naturopathic doctor is required before the first infusion to complete the medical history, review lab work, and obtain informed consent.

How to refer

Referrals can be submitted by completing our online referral and faxing it or emailing it to our office. Once we receive your referral, we will reach out to the patient within 2 business days to schedule their initial consultation.

Please include the following with your referral:

  • Patient name, date of birth, and contact information

  • Reason for referral and relevant diagnosis

  • Recent lab results (ferritin within 3 months) if available

  • Any relevant medical history or contraindications

  • Your contact information for follow-up communication

online referral form

PRICING

Iron infusion costs

The following pricing applies to iron infusion services at Oak Integrative in Burnaby. Please contact our clinic for the most current pricing before your appointment, as costs may vary.

INITIAL VISIT

15-minute phone consultation with our IV iron-trained naturopathic doctors. Required before all iron infusions, including referred patients. Eligible for extended health coverage, direct billing available.

TREATMENT · OPTION A

Monoferric Infusion

$235

/session

High-dose iron infusion — often achieves full repletion in a single session. Not recommended during pregnancy. Eligible for extended health coverage, direct billing available.

IN-HOUSE IRON PRESCRIPTION

$279-$545

Monoferric iron available for purchase directly at our clinic. Price varies by dose. Alternatively, your prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy. Receipts provided for extended health benefit coverage.

TREATMENT · OPTION B

Venofer Infusion

$190

/session

Iron sucrose infusion — lower dose per session, preferred for pregnant patients. Multiple sessions may be required. Eligible for extended health coverage, direct billing available.

Additional costs: Lab work (ferritin) is required before your infusion. In-house blood draws are available with our lab technician — direct billing available, receipts for requisition provided for extended health coverage. Lab costs vary if completed through LifeLabs or your GP (serum ferritin approximately $46 private pay — submit receipt to your insurer for reimbursement). We recommend contacting your extended health insurer to confirm whether iron infusion costs are covered under your plan, as coverage varies significantly by provider.

$40

new patients ·

current patients

Consultation

$75

COMMON QUESTIONS

Iron infusion FAQ

How quickly will I feel better after an iron infusion?

Most patients begin to notice improvements in energy and symptoms within 1–2 weeks of their infusion. The full effect typically becomes apparent over 4–6 weeks, when follow-up blood work will confirm your response to treatment.

Can I get an iron infusion if I am pregnant?

Yes — iron infusions are safe during pregnancy and frequently recommended when oral iron is not adequate or well tolerated. We use Venofer (iron sucrose) for pregnant patients, which has an excellent safety record. Your ND will assess your individual situation at your consultation.

How many iron infusions will I need?

Many patients achieve full repletion with a single Monoferric infusion. Others may require 2–3 Venofer sessions. Your ND will determine the appropriate number at your consultation, and follow-up blood work at 4–6 weeks will confirm your response.

Is iron infusion covered by extended health benefits?

Coverage varies by plan — we recommend confirming with your insurer before booking. Direct billing is available for most extended health plans, and we provide detailed receipts for lab work and prescription purchases for reimbursement.

Why can't I just take oral iron supplements?

Oral iron is a reasonable first step for mild deficiency. However, many people experience significant gastrointestinal side effects, have poor absorption due to gut conditions, or simply haven't responded adequately. Iron infusions are more effective, faster-acting, and significantly better tolerated for many patients.

Do I need a referral to book an iron infusion?

No — a referral is not required. You can book directly with us. A 15-minute phone consultation with our naturopathic doctor is required before your first infusion, and bloodwork (ferritin within 3 months) must be available. Referrals from GPs, specialists, midwives, and dietitians are warmly welcomed.

Restore your iron.
Restore your energy.

Book your iron infusion consultation at Oak Integrative in Burnaby — or contact us to discuss a referral. Our naturopathic doctors are here to support your recovery.

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