Iron Infusions at Natura

Natura is happy to be able to offer iron infusions to our patients and to our community.  Our physicians and our IV staff have training specifically for administering iron as an intravenous therapy. 

When are Iron Infusions Appropriate?

Iron is typically only administered intravenously in a few situations:  when oral absorption is compromised or when bleeding has occurred and is out-pacing oral consumption.  Our physicians will, of course, work with patients to address the underlying causes of iron deficiency to therefore minimize the need for this therapy. 

How to Schedule

If you are a Natura patient and feel you would be interested in this therapy, please discuss this with your physician.

If you are not currently a patient, two main paths exist to receive IV iron therapy. 

1. The first is to discuss this option with your current healthcare provider who can send a referral to our clinic. 
2. The second is to schedule a 15-minute IV intake with one of our physicians to help determine whether this is an appropriate therapy for you. Please call 406-317-1965 to schedule an intake.

Updates to Iron Therapy

For those of you who have had these infusions before, Natura has had some recent changes as we have adjusted to supply chain difficulties.  We have long used one product known by its brand name, Venofer, which is well regarded specifically for its safety.  This product was recently on a long back-order, so we researched other iron infusion products that we might be able to use.  We found one called sodium ferric gluconate complex – which has an equal safety record and has been used for many years by other naturopathic physicians.  The products are interchangeable, and each comes in a high dose (about 200 mg) and a low dose (about 100 mg).  We have begun stocking both of these products (Venofer and sodium ferric gluconate) so that we can meet iron needs as they occur.

Occasionally, our supply chain issues become so significant that we can only find products at specialty pharmacies.  These pharmacies do sometimes have a higher price – so on rare occasions you may see a “supply chain surcharge” on your IV.  This will be made known to you prior to you committing to the IV – so you can make an informed choice.  Right now this surcharge is around $50. 

The bottom line for us is to be able to provide this therapy to patients and community members who need it – safely, and in a timely manner.  If you have any questions, please let your physician at Natura know.