Iron Infusion – for Confirmed Iron Deficiency
When iron deficiency determines your energy levels – and tablets are not enough.
- Who it is for
- Confirmed iron deficiency when tablets are not enough or not tolerated
- Appointment
- Laboratory tests and a clear indication are required, then the infusion
- Costs
- From CHF 270; often covered by basic insurance where indicated
Medical review of the indication and personal support during iron treatment.
Infusion from CHF 270 · cover depends on the indication
Prefer to call · +41 61 666 62 10The iron infusion is a medical treatment with a clear indication, not a wellness service. It is performed only when a deficiency has been confirmed. From CHF 270; often covered by basic insurance when indicated. We also clarify the cause – for women, usually the intensity of bleeding.
At a glance
Fatigue that does not improve with sleep. Shortness of breath climbing stairs. Concentration problems, hair loss, brittle nails, reduced exercise capacity. Iron deficiency is common in women – and one of the few causes of exhaustion that can be clearly measured and specifically treated.
Concern
The most important point first
The iron infusion is not a wellness offering but a medical treatment with a clear indication. We only perform it when a deficiency has been confirmed and an infusion is the right response.
From CHF 270 · based on laboratory values and medical indication · often covered by basic insurance when indicated.
Treatment
The gynaecological point: the cause, not just the infusion
In women, the most common cause of iron deficiency is blood loss during menstruation. This is the decisive difference from a pure infusion offering: we do not just refill the store, we clarify why it is emptying.
- 01heavy or prolonged bleeding – often underestimated because women consider their own bleeding intensity normal
- 02fibroids and adenomyosis – recognisable and treatable on specialised ultrasound
- 03polyps and coagulation disorders
- 04copper IUD, which can increase bleeding intensity
- 05diet, especially with a vegetarian or vegan diet
- 06absorption or loss causes outside gynaecology – in which case referral is arranged
Who it's for
When an iron infusion makes sense
- confirmed iron deficiency with or without anaemia
- oral iron supplements do not work sufficiently or are not tolerated (nausea, abdominal pain, constipation)
- malabsorption in the gut, for example with coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
- rapid correction needed, for example with pronounced anaemia or before a planned procedure
- iron deficiency after birth or with significant blood loss
Cost
Cost coverage – explained honestly
With appropriate indication, intravenous iron therapy is a service covered by mandatory health insurance. This generally requires that an iron deficiency has been confirmed and that oral treatment is insufficiently effective or not tolerated.
However, it is not conclusively regulated at which ferritin value a deficiency requiring treatment is present. Opinions vary widely, and courts have in individual cases ruled in favour of insurers because the values were judged not to be low enough.
It is part of our duty of disclosure to inform you in advance about a possible non-coverage. You will never be surprised by a bill afterwards.
Clear situation
Low ferritin, symptoms present, oral therapy unsuccessful or not tolerated: treatment is usually covered.
Borderline range
Ferritin in the lower normal range, symptoms present
coverage is not guaranteed. We tell you this before treatment and record it in writing so you can decide whether you wish to bear the costs yourself.
No confirmed deficiency
In this case we do not perform an iron infusion – not even as a self-pay service. Iron with full stores is not merely ineffective, but potentially harmful.
Laboratory
What is determined before treatment
Ferritin · haemoglobin and red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH) · transferrin saturation depending on the situation · inflammation markers (CRP), since ferritin can be falsely elevated during inflammation · depending on the situation, thyroid function, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
The inflammation marker is important
normal ferritin does not rule out a deficiency during active inflammation. Without this additional information, the value cannot be meaningfully interpreted.
Safety
Risks and safety
Intravenous iron is well studied but not harmless. Before treatment we discuss hypersensitivity reactions, which can rarely be severe – which is why administration takes place exclusively at the practice with post-observation and emergency readiness.
Temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea, taste changes, joint or muscle pain and a feeling of warmth are possible. With repeated doses of iron carboxymaltose, phosphate levels can drop; this value is then monitored. If infusion fluid enters surrounding tissue, permanent skin discolouration can occur – which is why administration is slow and monitored.
The iron infusion is not performed in cases of iron overload, anaemia without confirmed iron deficiency, known hypersensitivity to the preparation, and during the first trimester of pregnancy. From the second trimester, treatment is possible according to the product information and individual assessment.
Related topics
Process
How your infusion appointment works
You should know at every point what comes next. No surprises, and no open questions you take home with you.
Please bring any existing laboratory values. If no current values are available, we determine them before treatment – without laboratory testing, we do not perform iron infusions.
- Step 01
Assessment and laboratory
Symptoms, bleeding history, diet, medications, pre-existing conditions and laboratory values. Where necessary, gynaecological examination and ultrasound to clarify the cause.
- Step 02
Indication and disclosure
We determine the dose and number of infusions and discuss benefits, risks and the cost question.
- Step 03
Infusion
Administration of an intravenous iron preparation (iron carboxymaltose) as a short infusion at the practice. Afterwards you remain with us for monitoring for about 30 minutes.
- Step 04
Follow-up check
Laboratory check several weeks after the last dose – before that the ferritin value is not meaningful. It is then decided whether a further dose is needed.
- Step 05
Treating the cause
If a treatable cause of bleeding is present, we plan its therapy – so the deficiency does not recur.
Frequently asked questions
What patients often ask.
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Anna Margareta Wagner
Board-certified specialist (FMH) in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, specialising in intimate surgery, ultrasound diagnostics and individual women's health.
Last medically reviewed:
Sources & associations
Leave a short note – we will call you back.
Two minutes, four questions. For prescriptions, reports or administrative matters there is a separate form – no appointment needed.
Send your details – I will get back to you.
Vertraulich. A detailed personal consultation always takes place before any treatment.
Book your appointment online.
Online via Doctena or by phone at +41 61 666 62 10.
Emergency: For acute, severe symptoms outside office hours, call the medical emergency line 144 or go to the emergency department of the University Hospital Basel.
Medical notice: The content of this page is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Measures are discussed individually during the consultation and are based on medical history, examination and current guidelines.
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