IV Iron Therapy Vancouver
IV Iron Therapy in Vancouver
If you have been told your iron is low, have been struggling with exhaustion 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.
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.
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.
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.