Haematology · UK
Intravenous iron in the UK, chosen by a consultant, given properly.
A proper IV iron infusion for adults where oral iron has failed or is not tolerated - ferric carboxymaltose, ferric derisomaltose or iron sucrose, in a licensed infusion unit with the right observation and follow-up.
Indicative pricing
What a private iron infusion costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£350–£550, home in 60–90 minutes.
| Option | Indicative range | Infusion time | Visit length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) - single dose | £350–£550 | 30–45 min infusion | 60–90 min visit |
| Ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) - single dose | £400–£600 | 20–60 min infusion | 60–90 min visit |
| Iron sucrose (Venofer) - per infusion | £250–£400 | 30–60 min infusion | 60–90 min visit |
| Two-dose Ferinject course (7-day gap) | £700–£1,050 | 2 visits | Over 1–2 weeks |
| Pre-infusion bloods (Hb, ferritin, iron studies) | £90–£180 | 10 min draw | Same day |
| Consultation only (haematology or gastro) | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which iron preparation is used, by your body weight and total iron deficit, and by whether bloods are already in hand. Where an infusion is medically indicated it is often NHS-funded via renal, gastroenterology, haematology or anaesthetic pathways - worth checking before going private.
The problem
The right iron, the right dose, the right unit.
IV iron has been quietly rebranded as a wellness drip in parts of the private market - wrong preparation, wrong dose, no follow-up bloods. We put it back in its proper place: a specialist-led treatment for people who actually need it.
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Not sure it is needed?
A better-tolerated oral regime - different salt, alternate-day dosing - will still work for many people. We say so before you agree to an infusion.
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Worried about safety?
A consultant on-site, resuscitation equipment in the room, and 30 minutes of observation after every dose - the baseline, every time.
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Want it done properly?
A named haematologist, gastroenterologist or renal physician, the correct modern preparation, and phosphate and ferritin follow-up built in.
When it helps
When an iron infusion is the right step.
The situations where IV iron is the guideline-backed answer - plus the one where it is not, and A&E is.
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CKD anaemia
Iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease - first-line IV per NICE NG8, often alongside an ESA.
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IBD (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
Oral iron is poorly absorbed and often not tolerated in active bowel disease - IV is first-line per ECCO and BSG.
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Chronic heart failure with IDA
Ferric carboxymaltose per NICE NG106 and the FAIR-HF / CONFIRM-HF / AFFIRM-HF trials - improves symptoms and function.
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Pregnancy IDA after 20 weeks
RCOG 2024 favours ferric carboxymaltose - two 20-minute large-dose infusions where oral iron has failed or is not tolerated.
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Peri-operative anaemia
Pre-op optimisation for bariatric, colorectal, gynae and orthopaedic surgery - reduces transfusion and morbidity (PACT-Anaemia).
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Failed oral iron trial
Three months of oral iron with side effects, poor adherence or no rise in ferritin or haemoglobin - time to switch route.
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Recurrent GI blood loss
Angiodysplasia, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia or chronic NSAID loss - oral iron cannot keep up.
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Not for acute severe bleeding
A collapsing patient with acute major blood loss needs transfusion in A&E, not an outpatient iron infusion.
Infusion options
IV iron is not a single product.
What each preparation on the table actually involves - and which fits which problem.
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Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject)
Up to 1,000 mg per infusion over 15–30 minutes; single-dose or twice weekly with a 7-day gap. The most convenient, most widely used option in the UK.
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Ferric derisomaltose (Monofer)
Single-dose 20 mg/kg up to 1,500 mg over 20–60 minutes. NICE-approved; one visit for most patients.
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Iron sucrose (Venofer)
100–200 mg per infusion over 30–60 minutes across multiple visits. Older, cheaper, familiar in renal units.
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Two-dose Ferinject course
Where total iron need exceeds 1,000 mg - two Ferinject infusions with a minimum 7-day gap between them.
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Iron dextran
Largely superseded in the UK by newer preparations. Kept for specific indications only.
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IV iron with an ESA
Combined with erythropoietin support in CKD and chemotherapy-induced anaemia - the two work together, not instead of each other.
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Pregnancy protocol (Ferinject)
Per RCOG 2024: two 20-minute large-dose infusions after 20 weeks, with careful observation. Iron sucrose is the alternative where needed.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether IV iron is needed at all - or whether a better-tolerated oral regime would still work.
Safety and side effects
What to expect - honestly.
IV iron is a well-tolerated, guideline-backed treatment. The things worth planning are the observation window, the small chance of a Fishbane-type reaction, and the follow-up bloods.
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Mild reactions in about 1 in 100
Skin flushing, transient rash or mild chest tightness (Fishbane-type reaction) in a small proportion of infusions - usually settles by slowing or pausing the drip.
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Severe anaphylaxis is rare
Under 1 in 10,000 per MHRA and BNF. Resuscitation drugs and a trained team are on-hand during and for 30 minutes after every infusion.
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Extravasation leaves brown staining
If iron leaks around the cannula the skin can stain permanently. Careful cannula placement and slow starting rates are the safeguard.
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Hypophosphataemia after Ferinject
Transient low phosphate is common on bloods but rarely symptomatic.
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Mild flu-like symptoms 24–48 hours
Headache, muscle ache, nausea and a metallic taste can follow - usually mild, self-limiting, and helped by paracetamol and fluids.
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First-trimester pregnancy is a no
IV iron is avoided in the first trimester and reserved for after 20 weeks per RCOG. Oral iron and dietary work come first.
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Active infection means we wait
IV iron is deferred during acute bacterial infection - iron feeds bacteria, and the anaemia can be treated once you are well.
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Iron overload is a hard stop
Haemochromatosis, transfusion-dependent thalassaemia and any state of iron overload are absolute contraindications.
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Red flags after the infusion
Facial swelling, breathlessness, spreading rash or persistent chest pain after leaving the unit - call the clinic, 111 or 999 the same day.
Reading your infusion note
Your infusion note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever preparation was used, the note the consultant sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Haematology language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and preparation used
Why the infusion was given - CKD, IBD, heart failure, pregnancy, peri-operative - and which iron and total dose were used.
- 02 Bloods
Pre-infusion baseline
Your haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation, LFTs and U&E on the day - the starting line against which recovery is measured.
- 03 Delivery
Dose, dilution and time
How the iron was diluted, the infusion time, the observations during and after, and any Fishbane-type reaction managed.
- 04 Impression
Follow-up bloods and next steps
Read this first: when to repeat Hb, ferritin and iron studies, when to check phosphate after Ferinject, and whether another infusion is needed.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for IV iron varies by insurer and by indication - usually funded when there is documented iron deficiency anaemia with a specialist referral.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about iron infusions.
Quick answers on cost, side effects, which preparation is best, and what happens in pregnancy.
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Who actually needs an IV iron infusion?
People with iron deficiency where oral iron has failed, is not tolerated, or cannot keep up - most commonly chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure with iron deficiency, pregnancy after 20 weeks, peri-operative optimisation, and chronic GI blood loss. Mild iron deficiency that responds to tablets is not an indication.
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How long does an iron infusion take?
A single-dose ferric carboxymaltose or ferric derisomaltose infusion runs over 15–60 minutes, with a 30-minute observation after and 10–15 minutes for cannula and consent. Plan on 60–90 minutes in the chair. Iron sucrose is 30–60 minutes per bag but usually needs multiple visits.
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Does an iron infusion hurt?
The cannula stings briefly. The infusion itself is not painful - most people read, work or nap through it. A small proportion feel warm, flushed or mildly chesty during the drip; slowing or pausing usually settles it.
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How much does a private iron infusion cost in the UK?
Roughly £350–£550 for a single-dose Ferinject, £400–£600 for Monofer, and £250–£400 per iron sucrose infusion. A two-dose Ferinject course is £700–£1,050. Bloods add £90–£180 if not already done.
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What are the side effects of an iron infusion?
Most people have none. Some notice a metallic taste, headache, muscle ache or nausea for 24–48 hours. Mild flushing or rash during the drip is uncommon; severe allergic reactions are rare (under 1 in 10,000 per the MHRA). Extravasation can leave permanent brown skin staining - hence careful cannulation.
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Ferric carboxymaltose or iron sucrose - which is better?
Neither is uniformly better. Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) and ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) give a large dose in a single visit - the convenient choice for most adults. Iron sucrose (Venofer) is cheaper and familiar in renal units but usually needs several visits. Your consultant matches the drug to your ferritin, weight, kidneys and pregnancy status.
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Can I have an iron infusion in pregnancy?
Yes - after 20 weeks and typically from 28 weeks, per RCOG 2024. Ferric carboxymaltose is UK-preferred with two 20-minute large-dose infusions; iron sucrose is an alternative. IV iron is avoided in the first trimester and iron dextran is not used.
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When should I get urgent help after an infusion?
Facial or lip swelling, breathlessness, wheeze, a spreading rash, chest pain or feeling faint after you leave the unit are reasons to call 999. Milder symptoms - a headache, muscle ache or a warm flushed feeling - usually settle with paracetamol and fluids, but call the clinic if you are worried.