Phoenix Plaza Medical CenterDr Neven Govender · Family Practitioner
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Phoenix, Durban · Open 7 days

Iron Infusions in Phoenix

Tired all the time? Low iron is one of the most common causes. An iron infusion restores your iron levels in one or a few visits, given in a controlled medical setting with monitoring throughout.

Dr Neven Govender · Family Practitioner

Book an iron assessment

Medical

Start with a consultation and blood tests. If an infusion is right for you, we'll confirm the cost and any medical aid authorisation before booking it.

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SettingMedical, monitored
BeforeBlood tests
After30-min observation
Medical aidOften covered

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Choose a topic for more detail, or book an appointment to discuss your needs.

Signs you may be low on iron

Many people live with low iron for months before it's picked up. A simple blood test tells us.

Common symptoms

  • Tiredness and low energy that rest doesn't fix
  • Shortness of breath on stairs or exercise
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • A fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Hair loss and brittle nails
  • Restless legs
  • Poor concentration
  • Craving ice, soil or starch

Iron deficiency and anaemia

What is anaemia?

Anaemia means your blood has too little haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Iron deficiency is the most common cause. You can also have low iron stores (low ferritin) before you become anaemic, and still have symptoms.

Common causes of low iron

  • Heavy or long periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Not enough iron in your diet, for example a vegetarian or vegan diet
  • Poor absorption, for example coeliac disease, weight-loss surgery or some stomach medicines
  • Blood loss from the gut, for example ulcers or polyps
  • Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease

We look for the cause

We don't just treat a number. Finding out why your iron is low matters, especially in men and in women after menopause, where it can be a sign of blood loss that needs investigating.

Who is an iron infusion for?

Iron tablets are still the first choice for many people. An infusion may be better if:

An infusion may suit you if

  • Iron tablets haven't worked after a proper trial
  • Tablets cause side effects you can't tolerate, such as nausea, constipation or stomach pain
  • Your body can't absorb iron well from tablets
  • You need your iron up quickly, for example later in pregnancy or before planned surgery
  • You have ongoing blood loss or a chronic condition

Your appointment

What to expect

  1. ConsultationWe talk through your symptoms, history and any previous results.
  2. Blood testsA full blood count and iron studies, including ferritin. We may also test for the cause.
  3. Your planIf an infusion is right for you, we confirm the cost and help with medical aid authorisation.
  4. The infusionGiven through a drip in a controlled medical setting, with monitoring throughout.
  5. ObservationWe monitor you for at least 30 minutes afterwards before you go home.
  6. Follow-upWe repeat your blood tests a few weeks later to check your levels have recovered.

Plan your visit

Find us at Phoenix Plaza

Phoenix Plaza Medical Center

Dr Neven Govender, Family Practitioner

Phoenix Plaza, 19 Parthenon Street
Phoenix, Durban, 4068
Get directions
Monday–Friday
8am–6pm
Saturday & Sunday
8am–4pm
Public holidays
8am–4pm

Call 031 500 4791
WhatsApp 082 767 2776

Common questions

Infusion or tablets: which is better?

Tablets work for many people and cost less, but they take months to rebuild your iron and often upset the stomach. An infusion bypasses the gut and restores your iron in one or a few sessions. We'll help you decide based on your results and symptoms.

How soon will I feel better?

Many people notice more energy within a few weeks. Your blood count improves over the following weeks, and we recheck your bloods to confirm.

How long does it take?

Depending on the iron product and dose, the infusion itself takes about 15 minutes to an hour, followed by at least 30 minutes of observation.

Is it safe? What are the side effects?

Iron infusions are generally well tolerated. Some people get a headache, nausea, flushing, muscle aches or a metallic taste. Serious allergic reactions are rare, which is why we give infusions in a controlled medical setting with monitoring and emergency equipment. Rarely, iron can leak into the skin around the drip and leave a brown stain, so tell us straight away if the drip site stings or burns.

Who shouldn't have an iron infusion?

It isn't suitable if your anaemia isn't caused by low iron, if you have iron overload, an active infection, or have had a serious reaction to IV iron before. It isn't given in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Can I have an iron infusion while pregnant?

Not in the first trimester. In the second and third trimesters it may be recommended when iron is low and tablets aren't enough, in consultation with your obstetrician or midwife.

Does medical aid cover iron infusions?

Many medical aids cover iron infusions when they're medically needed, often with pre-authorisation. We'll help with the authorisation, or give you a quote if you're paying yourself.

Do I need a referral?

No. Book a consultation and bring any recent blood results you have.

Can I drive and go back to work afterwards?

Most people go back to their normal activities the same day.