Anemia
Anemia is a condition where you lack enough healthy red blood cells to provide the body with energy.
Symptoms include: fatigue, weakness, hair loss, exercise intolerance, poor sleep, restless legs, pale skin, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, low mood.
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Many people cannot properly tolerate oral iron tablets. Tablets can be hard on the stomach, cause pain, bloating and cramping and can be difficult to remember to take in our busy day to day lives!
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With just 1 Monofer (iron isomaltoside) injection, you could be symptom free for up to 1 year without having to take anymore oral tablets. Post infusion monitoring at 6 weeks for adequate ferritin levels is recommended through your primary care provider.
The facts
Safe, Qualified, Comfortable​
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Referrals​
Healthcare providers can refer you to Dr. Kasteel for iron infusion. Medical doctors, Naturopaths, and Nurse practitioners are all able to do this. Please download the form above and have your provider send the form to:
drkellykasteel@gmail.com OR fax to 1-778-770-4790
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Infusion information
Please come well-hydrated in comfortable clothing, with easy access to your upper arm.
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The infusion usually takes 1-1.5 hours total.
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You may immediately stop taking oral iron tablets.
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You will start to feel symptom improvement related to iron deficiency in a few days and this should continue to improve for a couple of weeks.
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You will need to follow up with your primary care provider to repeat your iron and hemoglobin in >4-6 weeks to ensure proper response to the iv treatment.
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​Costs
There are 2 costs associated with an iron infusion
1. The pharmacy cost for the infusible iron (~$500)
2. The cost of the infusion at Emerge Wellness MD ($230) for disposables, and trained ER nurses to provide the infusions.
Some or even most of these costs of iron infusions may be covered through your insurance. Please check first with your insurance provider to determine whether or not you have prescription coverage and coverage related to having a nurse provide a procedure (called a health spending account/ our out-of-hospital nursing coverage). Pure Pharmacy, located within the building will be able to bill your insurance provider directly.
You may be pleasantly surprised!
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Even at the cost of $60/month equivalent 1 dose of iron over <1 hour may be worth it to you over taking oral supplements if you find them intolerable.
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Dr. Kasteel and her team of qualified doctors, and emergency nurses offer the highest standard of care for your iv infusion. All care practitioners have active jobs in local Emergency departments and are excellent at what they do.
Risks
As with every medical reaction, there are risks and benefits. Although extremely rare, the risk of anaphylaxis or allergic reaction is exceedingly low for the entire class of IV iron products. Some pooled studies suggest 1 per 100,000, while others have suggested even lower figures.
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Some people may experience a "Fishbane infusion reaction", characterized by transient flushing, chest and back tightness, flushing, rash wheezing, facial swelling and joint pain. This is temporary and will be monitored and treated appropriately by the nurses and physicians managing the infusion.
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1 in 10 patients can experience flu-like symptoms for a number of days after the infusion. This is normal.