Advances in Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia
As the weather warms and we enter May, it's a good time to check your health and make those medical appointments you put off over the colder months. Spring is in the air, but the warmer weather and sunshine aren't enough for some people to feel energized. If this resonates with how you often think, you may be experiencing one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (or IDA).
IDA remains prevalent worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. IDA is characterized by low hemoglobin levels and red blood cells due to insufficient iron in the body.
Advancements in treatment for IDA mean that timely, effective, and accessible options are available for those who suffer from this condition. The primary goal of treatment is to replenish iron stores and restore normal hemoglobin levels. This can be achieved through various approaches, including dietary modifications, oral iron supplementation, and, when those options do not work, intravenous iron therapy. Often patients believe they are addressing IDA with dietary changes or oral supplements. It's essential to continue to monitor your iron levels and ensure your approach is working. If you aren't making impactful change through diet and supplements, intravenous iron therapy is a safe, fast and effective way to feel better.
Dietary interventions play a significant role in the management of IDA. We encourage patients to consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and dark leafy greens, which can help boost iron levels naturally. Additionally, patients should try to avoid foods that inhibit iron absorption, such as coffee, tea, and calcium-rich foods. Oral iron supplementation is often recommended when dietary interventions are insufficient. Iron supplements are available in various forms, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. It's essential to speak with your doctor about proper dosing, timing, and potential side effects of iron supplements to ensure compliance and efficacy of treatment.
For patients who do not respond adequately to oral iron therapy or have severe iron deficiency anemia, intravenous iron therapy may be necessary. Intravenous iron is a rapid and effective way to replenish iron stores and improve symptoms of anemia. The treatment of IDA continues to evolve. At Mainline, we focus on individualized care and treatment strategies to ensure patients feel their best.
Don’t have a doctor?
In 2023, Mainline Wellness and Well Health partnered to establish DHAD. As the name suggests, DHAD allows patients to have a free consult with a physician if they believe they are a candidate for IV iron but don't have a GP or their care provider is not comfortable referring for IV iron. Click the button below to request a free consult with an independent specialist from Well Health.
Last summer, Mainline interviewed Well Health's Dr. Sam Gharbi. He spoke about infusion treatment providing a transformational shift in patient wellbeing and in the interview cites strengths and weaknesses in the medical system and why he thinks the ball has been dropped when it comes to treating patients with iron deficiency. Read the candid interview here.
Are you curious about how much it costs to get an iron infusion, or do you know you need an iron infusion but are worried that your insurance doesn't cover enough of the cost? Mainline Wellness has created an easy online form to fill out so that you can create certainty around budgeting for treatment*. Fill out the form here.
Patients typically want to know about the breakdown of costs. Here is the information you need:
Mainline offers two types of iron: Iron Sucrose (aka Venofer) and Monoferric. The cost of iron varies and is dependent on the individual patient, considering two things:
1. Pharmacare coverage
2. Insurance (fill out this form to find out how much your insurer will cover)
In addition to the iron cost (dependent on Pharmacare and insurance), there is a clinic fee for the IV administration.
For Iron Sucrose, patients often require several doses. These are administered in doses of 200mg-300mg at a cost of $150/infusion. This covers the facility, clinical/administrative staff, and materials.
For Monoferric, there is a dispensing fee from the pharmacy. Monoferric can be administered in one infusion, so the one-time clinic fee is $250.
*If a referral has not yet been submitted to Mainline Wellness, a coverage percentage rather than the exact dollar amount will be provided.
Calling all Mainline Patients!
If you are training for an athletic endeavor (race, walk, hike, bike etc.) and want to share your progress with us on social media, please reach out to us here! We are looking to celebrate our Mainline community and shine a light on personal accomplishments
About Mainline
Mainline’s mission is to offer fast, safe, friendly, and comfortable iron infusion services for patients and referring physicians across the Lower Mainland. By reducing wait-times and providing timely access, the Clinic aims to boost patient well-being and overall physical health while decreasing the burden placed on hospital infusion services.
Do you have questions about iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia? Email Mainline Wellness at info@mainlinewellness.ca
Do you think you might be iron deficient?
Here are some symptoms to look for:
Low energy
Chronic napping
Pale skin
Heavy or irregular periods
Cold hands and/or feet
Restless legs
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have low iron or be anemic. Make an appointment with your health care provider to get your iron checked. Taking steps to treat iron deficiency and anemia is simple. If you have questions or wish to find out more about how an iron infusion may help to address iron deficiency and anemia, the team at Mainline Wellness is happy to help and can be reached by phone at 604-876-2344 or email at info@mainlinewellness.ca.
How Does Mainline Wellness Fit In?
At Mainline Wellness, we are focused on improving the awareness and understanding of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in Canada to help more patients get the help they need – preoperative or otherwise.
We are committed to offering safe, timely, and accessible ER physician and nurse supervised iron infusions. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if iron infusions may be helpful for you. Treatment can begin within one week.
Our Locations
Vancouver
672 Leg in Boot Square
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B4
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-876-2344
Mainline Vancouver is accessible by pedestrian traffic only. Street parking is available nearby, and parking lots are accessible from these streets:
- Cambie Street (7 minute walk)
- 2nd Ave (3 minute walk)
- Moberly Road (1 minute walk)
Surrey - Now Open!
Suite 301, 9639 137A Street
City Center 2
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-900-7007 Ext. 100
Mainline Surrey is located in City Centre 2, immediately adjacent to City Centre 1 at the heart of the Health and Technology District in Surrey, British Columbia. We are on the 3rd floor, Suite 301, within iScope.
Patient Safety
Our clinic is run according to the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons Class 3 Facility Safety and Equipment guidelines.
All clinical staff have active Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and years of experience working in urban emergency departments.