Iron IV
Intravenous iron repletion for documented iron deficiency — assessed, formulated, and administered by a naturopathic doctor.
Book nowIron, replenished by infusion
Iron IV is the intravenous repletion of iron stores in patients with documented iron deficiency. For patients whose oral iron has failed, isn't tolerated, or is too slow given the clinical picture, IV iron raises ferritin and hemoglobin levels faster and more predictably than supplements can.
When oral iron isn't enough
Iron IV is most commonly used for:
- Perimenopausal and menopausal women with heavy or prolonged periods driving low ferritin
- Postpartum patients depleted by pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding
- Endurance athletes with high iron turnover and persistent low ferritin despite oral supplementation
- Patients with malabsorption (celiac, IBD, gastric bypass / sleeve, post-bariatric)
- Patients on long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs reduce iron absorption)
- Patients with poor tolerance of oral iron (nausea, constipation, GI distress)
- Patients needing rapid repletion before surgery, pregnancy, or other clinical milestones
Monoferric and Venofer
I use two intravenous iron formulations and choose between them based on your ferritin level, dose required, tolerance, and how quickly we need to replete:
Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose)
My standard choice. A modern formulation that allows a substantial repletion dose to be delivered in a single infusion, so most patients are repleted in one visit.
Venofer (iron sucrose)
An established alternative used when there's a known allergy or sensitivity to Monoferric, or by patient preference. Delivered in smaller doses across a series of infusions.
Recent labs, first
A ferritin and CBC drawn within the last 3 months are required before your Iron IV. This confirms the deficiency, rules out other causes of fatigue, and lets me choose the right formulation and dose.
If you don't have current results, we can arrange testing at the visit. Lab work is also commonly available through your family physician or walk-in clinic at no cost.
"Iron deficiency has causes — they need to be identified, not just bypassed with infusions."
I run a diagnostic intake before the infusion, read the labs to decide formulation and dose, and rebook follow-up testing to confirm repletion. If heavy periods, a PPI, or a gut condition is driving the deficiency, we address that too. As an ND with prescriptive authority in BC, I can integrate Iron IV with broader medical management and coordinate with your other providers.
Delivered across two appointments
Intake and lab review
Symptoms, history, medications, current ferritin and CBC, prior iron tried, and any reactions you've had.
Formulation and dose decision
Monoferric or Venofer, the dose, and how many infusions.
The infusion itself
Performed in a comfortable infusion chair — usually 45–90 minutes, with close monitoring at the start and throughout.
Leaving the clinic
Most patients leave right after the infusion and drive themselves home. Follow-up bloodwork is usually drawn 4–8 weeks after the final infusion to confirm repletion.
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
No. Booking is direct through Tall Tree.
Do I need bloodwork before my first Iron IV?
Yes — a ferritin and CBC drawn within the last 3 months are required. If you don't have current results, we can arrange testing at the visit.
How many infusions will I need?
Most patients fully replete in a single Monoferric infusion. Some need a series — typically when starting ferritin is very low, or when Venofer is used. We'll set a clear plan and reassess with follow-up bloodwork.
How will I feel after?
Most patients tolerate Iron IV well and feel an energy lift within one to two weeks as iron stores rebuild. Mild side effects are uncommon; serious reactions are rare but possible, which is why every infusion is administered and monitored in clinic.
Can I drive home after?
Yes. Most patients leave the clinic right after their infusion and drive themselves home.
Is Iron IV covered by insurance?
Most extended health plans cover naturopathic doctor visits. Coverage for the iron itself varies by plan.
Do you offer Iron IV at both Tall Tree locations?
Yes — at Tall Tree Cordova Bay and Tall Tree James Bay. James Bay runs one day a week.
Book Iron IV at Tall Tree
First Iron IV booking is an assessment. Recent ferritin and CBC (within the last 3 months) are required — if you don't have current results, we can arrange testing at the visit.