IV Iron Therapy

IV Iron Therapy in Vancouver

If you're constantly exhausted, foggy, short of breath on the stairs, losing hair, or just not feeling like yourself - low iron could be the reason. IV iron therapy delivers iron directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the gut for faster, more complete replenishment than pills can offer.

Hi, I’m Vicki Nguyen, a registered nurse with 10 years of clinical experience. I started IV League Injections because I believe people deserve real answers and real solutions - not just a prescription for oral iron that upsets your stomach and barely moves your levels. IV iron is one of the most effective and underutilized treatments available, and I am proud to offer it here in Vancouver at our clinic alongside our naturopathic team. Iron is powerful, and more isn't always better - so we make sure it's right for you before we treat.

May Be Covered by Your Extended Health Benefits

IV iron infusions performed or ordered by a naturopathic doctor are eligible for coverage under many extended health benefit plans in Canada. Our on-site naturopath can assess you, order the appropriate lab work, and provide the documentation your insurance provider requires. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer, but many of our clients are surprised to find that a significant portion of their treatment is reimbursed. Ask us about this when you book.

Could Low Iron Be Behind How You Feel?

Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most under-diagnosed causes of feeling run down. Common signs include:

Persistent fatigue and low energy, even after a full night's sleep
Brain fog, poor concentration, or low mood
Hair thinning or increased shedding
Shortness of breath or a racing heart with light activity
Pale skin, brittle nails, headaches, or restless legs
Heavy menstrual periods that leave you depleted

Why IV Iron Instead of Pills?

Oral iron supplements are notoriously hard on the stomach and poorly absorbed - many people give up before they ever feel better. IV iron skips the digestive system entirely, which means:

Faster results: replenish your iron stores in a few sessions rather than months of pills
Full absorption: no loss through the gut, no dependence on digestion
No GI side effects: no nausea, constipation, or stomach upset that often comes with tablets
Ideal when pills haven't worked: or for those with absorption issues, heavy periods, or higher needs

Our Process

Step 1: Assessment & Bloodwork

IV iron is only appropriate when iron deficiency is confirmed. We review your symptoms, history, and lab work (ferritin and iron studies) to make sure an infusion is the right, safe choice for you. If you don't have recent bloodwork, we'll guide you on getting it.

Step 2: Your Infusion

Your iron infusion is administered by our qualified medical team in a comfortable, monitored setting at our Vancouver clinic. Most appointments take under an hour, sometimes longer, and we keep a close eye on you throughout.

Step 3: Follow-Up

We track how you're responding and re-check your levels as needed, so you get the full benefit without over-supplementing.

Is IV Iron Right for Everyone?

Not always — and that's exactly why we assess first. IV iron isn't suitable for people who aren't iron deficient or who have certain medical conditions. A quick consultation lets us confirm it's safe and worthwhile for you before anything begins.

Ready to Get Your Energy Back?

Book a consultation at our Vancouver clinic and we'll find out whether low iron is holding you back - and build a plan to fix it.

that sleep doesn’t fix, or have been dealing with hair loss, brain fog, or breathlessness that your doctor can’t fully explain — low iron may be the reason. IV iron therapy delivers iron directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely, so your body can actually absorb and use it.

May Be Covered by Your Extended Health Benefits

Who Is IV Iron For?

IV iron is appropriate for a wide range of people. It is particularly effective for those with diagnosed iron deficiency anemia or low ferritin, people experiencing chronic fatigue and brain fog that has not improved with oral supplements, postpartum women dealing with iron loss after delivery, individuals who cannot tolerate oral iron due to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, cramping, or constipation, those with conditions that impair iron absorption such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, people with heavy periods, athletes with persistently low iron levels, and anyone whose iron has not responded adequately to oral supplementation over several months.

Why IV Instead of Oral Iron?

Oral iron supplements are poorly absorbed at the best of times - your gut absorbs only a fraction of what you take in, and for many people the side effects make consistent supplementation impossible. IV iron bypasses digestion entirely and delivers a full therapeutic dose directly into circulation. Most clients notice a meaningful improvement in energy, mental clarity, and physical endurance within two to four weeks of their infusion, with full results developing over six to eight weeks as your body builds iron stores.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your first appointment begins with a health intake and review of your recent bloodwork. If you do not have current labs, our naturopath can arrange them for you. Once you are cleared for treatment, a small IV cannula is placed in your arm and the iron infusion runs over approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You can relax, read, or scroll your phone during this time. We monitor you throughout the infusion. Most people feel fine afterward and can return to normal activities immediately. A small number of clients feel briefly tired for a day or two as their body begins processing the iron - this is normal.

Pricing

IV iron infusions at IV League Injections (at Six Clinic) are priced between $200–$300 CAD depending on the iron formulation and dose required for your individual needs. This is determined at your consultation. Many clients recover a portion of this cost through extended health benefits via our naturopathic physician - ask us when you book and we will help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IV iron be covered by my extended health benefits?

Yes, potentially. When IV iron is prescribed or supervised by a naturopathic doctor, it is often eligible for reimbursement under extended health benefit plans in Canada. We have a naturopath on-site who can provide the necessary documentation. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so we recommend confirming with your insurer beforehand. Many of our clients are surprised by how much is covered.

How do I know if I need IV iron?

The most reliable way is bloodwork. We look at your serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and full iron panel. Low ferritin — even within the “normal” lab range — can cause significant symptoms including fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, and poor exercise recovery. If you have symptoms but your GP has told you your iron is “fine,” it is worth getting a closer look at your ferritin specifically. Our naturopath can review your labs and advise you at your first appointment.

How quickly will I feel better?

Most clients begin noticing improvements in energy and mental clarity within two to four weeks. Full results — as your body replenishes iron stores and increases red blood cell production — typically develop over six to eight weeks. Postpartum clients and those with very depleted levels may take slightly longer to feel the full benefit.

Is IV iron safe?

Yes, when administered by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting. Modern IV iron formulations have a strong safety profile. We take a full health history before every infusion, monitor you throughout the treatment, and keep you for a brief observation period afterward. Serious reactions are rare. You are in good hands — Vicki has 10 years of nursing experience and our team is trained in IV therapy administration.

How long does the infusion take?

Most infusions take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the formulation and dose. You will be comfortably seated during this time and are welcome to bring headphones, a book, or just relax. We will monitor you throughout and check in with you before you leave.

Do I need a referral or existing bloodwork?

No referral is needed. If you have recent bloodwork showing low iron or ferritin, bring it along — it will save time. If you do not have current labs, our naturopath can arrange testing for you. We want to make sure IV iron is the right treatment for you before proceeding, so a brief intake assessment is part of every first appointment.

How many sessions will I need?

Many people see significant improvement from a single infusion. Others with severely depleted iron stores or ongoing losses — such as heavy periods or a malabsorption condition — may benefit from a follow-up infusion after six to eight weeks. We will assess your response and recommend a plan that makes sense for your body and your budget.

I tried oral iron and it made me feel sick. Is IV iron different?

Yes, completely. IV iron bypasses your digestive system entirely, so there is no nausea, cramping, constipation, or the metallic taste that comes with oral supplements. It is one of the main reasons people choose IV iron — and why it works so much better for people who have struggled to tolerate pills or liquids.

If you have questions or want to talk through whether IV iron is right for you, please contact us or book a consultation. We are here to help you actually feel like yourself again.