Patient Resources
Everything you
need to know.
Practical information for before and after your appointment. What to bring, what to eat, what to expect, and when to call us.
Before your appointment
How to prepare
There is not much you need to do before your infusion. A little preparation makes the appointment run smoothly.
Eat a normal meal beforehand
Do not come on an empty stomach. A light meal or snack 1 to 2 hours before your appointment helps you feel comfortable throughout.
Bring your blood test results
If you have recent blood test results from your GP or another provider, please bring a printed or digital copy. We accept NHS and private laboratory results.
Bring a list of your medications
A note of any current medications, supplements, and any relevant medical history. This helps Dr Bhadresha ensure the infusion is appropriate and safe for you.
Allow 60 to 90 minutes
The infusion takes 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute observation period. Plan to be with us for approximately 60 to 90 minutes in total.
Stay well hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the hours before your appointment. Good hydration makes veins easier to access and the cannula insertion more straightforward.
Tell us about any previous reactions
If you have ever had a reaction to IV iron or any other intravenous treatment, please let us know in advance. This is important safety information.
After your infusion
What to expect afterwards
Most patients feel perfectly well immediately after their infusion and go about their day as normal. Here is what to know for the hours and days that follow.
You can drive home
Most patients drive home without any difficulty after the observation period. If you feel at all dizzy or unwell, please tell Beverly before you leave and arrange alternative transport.
Rest on the day of your infusion
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your appointment. Light activity is fine. You can resume normal exercise from the following day in most cases.
Improvements take 2 to 4 weeks
Your body needs time to use the iron to produce new red blood cells. Most patients notice meaningful improvement in energy and wellbeing within 2 weeks, with the full benefit at 4 weeks.
Some mild side effects are normal
Mild flushing, a slight headache, or temporary soreness at the injection site can occur and usually resolve within a few hours. These are not a cause for concern.
Your follow-up is at 6 to 8 weeks
We will arrange a follow-up appointment to check your blood results and review how you are feeling. Blood tests can be couriered to and from your home, so there is no need to travel.
Nutrition
Iron and your diet
An iron infusion restores your iron stores quickly. Supporting that with good dietary choices helps maintain your levels over time.
Foods that boost iron
Eat more of these
- Red meat – beef, lamb, liver
- Dark leafy greens – spinach, kale, watercress
- Legumes – lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
- Fortified cereals and bread
- Tofu and tempeh
- Pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds
- Dried apricots and figs
Foods that block absorption
Limit around iron-rich meals
- Tea and coffee – tannins reduce absorption
- Calcium-rich foods eaten at the same time
- High-fibre foods eaten in excess with iron
- Antacids – interfere with iron absorption
- Phytate-rich foods in very large quantities
Vitamin C boosts iron absorption significantly. Adding a glass of orange juice, some tomatoes, or other vitamin C-rich foods to iron-rich meals helps your body absorb dietary iron more effectively. This is particularly helpful for vegetarians and vegans.
Follow-up blood tests
Getting your follow-up blood test at home
We offer a home blood test courier service for your follow-up at 6 to 8 weeks. A nurse visits your home, takes the blood sample, and the kit is couriered directly to the laboratory. Results are sent securely to Dr Bhadresha for review.
There is no need to travel to a clinic or queue at your GP surgery. Your follow-up appointment with Dr Bhadresha can also be online, at a time that suits you.
How it works
01
We arrange your follow-up appointment and blood test at 6 to 8 weeks after your infusion
02
A phlebotomist visits your home at a time that suits you
03
Your blood sample is couriered directly to the laboratory
04
Results are sent to Dr Bhadresha for review before your appointment
05
Your follow-up with Dr Bhadresha takes place in person or online
Aftercare
When to contact us
Most patients have no concerns after their infusion. But if you do, here is a guide to what requires attention and what can wait for your follow-up.
Contact us promptly
Get in touch same day if you experience:
- Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
- Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face
- Significant dizziness or feeling faint
- Severe headache that does not resolve
- Marked swelling or pain at the injection site
- Any symptom that worries you
Normal and expected
These are common and will resolve:
- Mild flushing or warmth during or after the infusion
- Slight headache in the first few hours
- Minor soreness or bruising at the cannula site
- Feeling a little tired on the day
- Temporary skin discolouration near the injection site
Our team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm
Have a question
before you book?
Call us or send us a message. We are happy to talk through anything before your appointment.
Or call 0207 207 6919 · Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm