Iron Infusion
Iron infusion, also known as intravenous iron therapy, may be given when medically diagnosed iron deficiency has not been corrected by other means. During an iron infusion, iron is administered directly into a vein through an IV infusion.
Iron infusion may be appropriate when
- Oral iron is ineffective or poorly tolerated: Oral iron supplements cause significant side effects, such as nausea or abdominal pain, and do not correct the iron deficiency.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may impair the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Kidney disease or heart failure: These conditions may be reasons for considering intravenous iron therapy.
- Severe iron deficiency anaemia: Particularly when haemoglobin levels are low and iron stores are significantly depleted.
- Significant iron loss: For example, due to heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal disease, when iron deficiency cannot be corrected by other means.
What do you need for an iron infusion?
You need:
- A doctor’s referral for an iron infusion. At Sydänkeskus, iron infusions are provided under the supervision of Juho Pekkala, Specialist in Cardiology. Appointments are also available remotely and by telephone.
- A prescription for the iron preparation purchased from a pharmacy, or you can use an iron preparation provided by Sydänkeskus.
What happens during an iron infusion?
- Iron is administered directly into a vein, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
- The infusion takes approximately 15–60 minutes, depending on the preparation used and the amount of iron administered.
- You can eat and drink normally before the infusion. Fasting is not required.
- When you arrive, a nurse will assess your condition and make sure you are ready for the treatment.
- Your condition will be monitored during the infusion and for a period afterwards to detect any possible side effects.
Appointments in Helsinki: 09 3747 9700
Iron infusion treatments are available only at Sydänkeskus Helsinki.
You can book an appointment with one of our doctors. An assessment of the need for treatment can also be carried out remotely.
Our doctor responsible for iron infusion treatments is Juho Pekkala, Specialist in Cardiology.
Please note: We do not administer iron infusions to patients under 16 years of age, pregnant patients, or patients with a serious underlying medical condition.
Preparing for an iron infusion
- If you are bringing your own iron preparation, collect it from the pharmacy well in advance and bring it with you on the day of the treatment.
- You can eat and drink normally before the infusion.
- The treatment takes approximately one hour. We monitor your condition during the infusion and afterwards before you leave.
- There are no restrictions after the treatment.
Further treatment and follow-up will be carried out according to the instructions and treatment plan provided by the referring doctor.
Iron infusion prices and service packages
We provide safe and professional iron infusion treatment based on a doctor’s assessment. You can either bring your own iron preparation or choose a complete treatment package from Sydänkeskus.
Specialist remote consultation for iron infusion – €115 (Kela reimbursement €8; service and patient fee included.)
Remote consultation with Juho Pekkala, Specialist in Cardiology.
Iron infusion – own preparation – €175
The patient brings their own iron preparation. The price includes administration of the infusion and monitoring during treatment.
Iron infusion + iron preparation from Sydänkeskus
You can also purchase the iron preparation directly from Sydänkeskus as part of the infusion treatment.
- Iron infusion + preparation 500 mg – €250
- Iron infusion + preparation 1000 mg – €320
The following fees are added to the treatment prices:
- Service fee – €9.50
- Patient fee – €4.80