Iron Infusion London

When Iron Tablets Stop Working

Private iron infusions at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station, are consultant-led from the first appointment. You are seen by a consultant haematologist who reviews your symptoms, blood results, and medical history before an infusion is prescribed. No GP referral needed. Patients attend from Chelsea, Clapham, Vauxhall, Pimlico, Wandsworth, Nine Elms, and across London.

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Iron infusion being administered at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station

What is an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through a small cannula placed into a vein, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

It may be recommended when blood tests confirm iron deficiency and oral iron supplements have not worked, cannot be tolerated, or there is a clinical need to replace iron more quickly. The preparation, dose, and number of infusions needed are determined by your consultant haematologist.

At LIPS Healthcare, infusions are administered by our clinical team and overseen by emergency medicine consultants, with monitoring throughout and for at least 30 minutes after treatment.

Who May Benefit from an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion may be appropriate when iron deficiency has been confirmed through blood testing and oral iron is not working, cannot be tolerated, or iron needs to be replaced more quickly.


Your consultant haematologist will confirm whether an infusion is appropriate and whether the underlying cause of your iron deficiency needs further investigation.

You may be considered for an infusion if:

Oral iron has not improved your iron levels.

Oral iron is causing side effects that make it difficult to continue.

A gastrointestinal condition such as IBD or coeliac disease is affecting iron absorption.

You have previously undergone bariatric surgery.

Ongoing blood loss is contributing to iron deficiency.

There is a clinical need to replace iron more quickly.

Consultant haematologist reviewing blood results at LIPS Healthcare

Why an Infusion Instead of Iron Tablets?

An iron infusion may be recommended when oral iron is ineffective, cannot be tolerated, or there is a clinical need to deliver iron more rapidly than tablets allow.

Oral iron is suitable for many patients and is often considered first. However, some patients experience side effects, do not absorb enough iron, or do not respond adequately. Your consultant haematologist will advise whether an infusion is the most appropriate option based on your blood results and clinical history.

What Happens During An Iron Infusion? Step-By-Step Pathway

The iron infusion pathway at LIPS Healthcare begins with a consultant haematologist assessment. An infusion is only booked once the consultant has confirmed it is clinically appropriate.

1

Consultant Haematologist Consultation

You are booked for an initial consultation with a consultant haematologist, who reviews your symptoms, medical history, current medication, and blood results. If further blood tests are needed, these can be arranged at LIPS Healthcare.

2

Pre-Infusion Review

Your results, medical history, and allergy status are reviewed to confirm your suitability for IV iron. This happens before your infusion appointment so there are no delays on the day.

3

Infusion Appointment

A cannula is placed into a vein and the prescribed iron is administered at a controlled rate at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station. The clinical team monitors you throughout, with oversight from emergency medicine consultants.

4

Post-Infusion Observation

You remain under observation for at least 30 minutes after the infusion. Before leaving, the team provides aftercare information and explains what to look out for and when to seek support.

5

Follow-Up

Your consultant haematologist will advise whether follow-up blood tests or a further review are needed. Repeat tests are commonly arranged several weeks after treatment to assess the response and confirm whether further treatment is required.

Safety and Possible Side Effects

Iron infusions are generally well tolerated when clinically appropriate, but all medicines carry potential risks and side effects your clinical team will discuss with you before treatment begins.


Serious allergic reactions are uncommon. All patients are monitored throughout the infusion and for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Appropriate emergency equipment and clinical staff are available throughout your appointment.


Tell us at the time of booking

if you have a history of multiple drug allergies, severe asthma, autoimmune disease, or a previous reaction to IV iron. Your clinician will confirm whether IV iron is appropriate before treatment begins.

Possible side effects include:

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Flushing

Muscle or joint aches

Skin reactions (uncommon)

Temporary changes in taste

Discomfort around the infusion site

Iron Infusion vs Oral Iron Tablets

Oral iron is suitable for most patients and may be recommended before intravenous treatment. An iron infusion may be considered when oral iron is ineffective, cannot be used, or there is a clinical need to deliver iron more rapidly.

IV iron at LIPS Healthcare

Oral iron tablets

Time to see results

Included

4 to 8 weeks

Not included

3 to 6 months

Visits required

Included

Usually one visit

Not included

Daily tablets for months

Stomach side effects

Included

None. Bypasses the gut

Not included

Common

Works if oral fails

Included

Yes

Not included

No

Works with malabsorption

Included

Yes

Not included

No

Your consultant haematologist will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your blood results, symptoms, and medical history.

FAQs

Yes, with a consultation first. The first step is an initial appointment with a consultant haematologist. If the consultant confirms an iron infusion is clinically appropriate, the treatment is prescribed, and the infusion appointment is arranged. No GP referral needed for self-pay patients. Insured patients should check pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer.

Recent blood results confirming iron deficiency are needed as part of the assessment. The exact tests depend on your clinical history. If further or updated tests are needed, these can be arranged at LIPS Healthcare at Battersea Power Station.

The infusion itself typically takes between 15 minutes and a few hours, depending on the preparation and the prescribed dose. You should also allow time for clinical checks beforehand and at least 30 minutes of observation afterwards. The team will confirm the expected appointment length when the infusion is booked.

One infusion is sufficient for some patients. Others may need more than one. Your consultant haematologist will calculate your iron requirement and confirm the recommended number of treatments based on your blood results and clinical history.

Possible side effects include headache, nausea, flushing, dizziness, muscle or joint aches, temporary changes in taste, and discomfort around the infusion site. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon. Patients are monitored throughout treatment and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.

Coverage depends on your insurer, policy, and clinical circumstances. Contact your insurer before booking to confirm whether a GP referral, consultant authorisation, or pre-authorisation is required.

Iron infusion consultations and treatments are provided at LIPS Healthcare, inside the mall at Battersea Power Station, first floor, Turbine Hall B. Directly accessible via the Northern Line (Battersea Power Station station), London Overground, and bus. Patients attend from Chelsea, Clapham, Vauxhall, Pimlico, Wandsworth, Nine Elms, and across London.