Frequently Asked Questions

We use Venofer (iron sucrose), sourced from McGuff, a reputable medical distributor.

• Venofer at McGuff

Yes. Venofer (iron sucrose) is FDA approved for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

• FDA approval (Drugs@FDA)

Please refer to the FDA prescribing information for Venofer for the full list of side effects and adverse reactions.

• FDA prescribing information for Venofer

Yes, all patients receiving any form of medical infusions are monitored with oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure.

Iron helps your body make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen. When iron is low, you may feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath.

It means your body does not have enough iron to make the red blood cells it needs. You can also have low iron before you develop anemia.

Your clinician reviews your symptoms and blood tests. These usually include your blood count, ferritin—which measures stored iron—and other iron levels. Being tired alone does not mean you need iron.

Common causes include heavy periods, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, trouble absorbing iron, or not getting enough iron from food. Finding and treating the cause is an important part of your care.

An iron infusion gives iron directly into your bloodstream through a small IV tube in your arm. It bypasses your stomach and intestines.

Your clinician may recommend an infusion if pills cause troublesome side effects, have not worked, or cannot be absorbed well. An infusion may also help when your iron needs to be replaced more quickly.

No. An iron infusion contains iron medicine, not donated blood. Your body uses the iron to make its own red blood cells.

You may feel a brief pinch when the IV is placed. The infusion should not be painful. Tell the nurse immediately if you feel burning, pain, swelling, or tightness around the IV. Iron leaking outside the vein can cause long-lasting or permanent skin staining.

It depends on the iron medicine and dose. Allow time for check-in, IV placement, the infusion, and monitoring afterward. Many products require at least 30 minutes of observation after treatment. Ask the clinic for your expected total appointment time.

Some medicines replace your iron in one or two visits. Others require several visits. Your treatment plan depends on your blood tests, the medicine used, and how much iron you need.

Usually, you can eat and drink normally unless the clinic gives different instructions. Wear sleeves that are easy to roll up and bring your medication list. Tell the team about previous infusion reactions, allergies, fever, or a current infection. Follow any fluid restrictions you have.

Improvement is gradual. Some people notice more energy within a couple of weeks; others take longer. Your body needs time to make new red blood cells. Let your clinician know if symptoms continue or worsen.

Possible side effects include nausea, headache, flushing, dizziness, or muscle and joint aches. Some symptoms can start a day or two later. Contact the clinic if symptoms are severe, worsening, or do not settle.

Yes. Serious reactions are rare, but they can happen. Tell the nurse immediately if you develop itching, hives, chest tightness, trouble breathing, swelling, or faintness. Staff monitor you during and after treatment.

Phosphate is a mineral your muscles and bones need. Some iron medicines, especially Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose), can lower it. Report new or worsening tiredness, muscle weakness, or bone and joint pain. Your clinician may order a phosphate blood test, especially with repeat treatment.

Many people can return to normal activities if they feel well and the care team clears them. Do not drive if you feel dizzy, unwell, or received medicine that makes you sleepy. Ask beforehand whether you should arrange a ride.

Ask your clinician. You may need to pause them around your infusion, and some people will not need them afterward. Do not restart or increase iron supplements without instructions.

Yes. Follow-up tests check whether your blood count and iron stores have improved. Testing is often arranged several weeks after treatment; your clinician will choose the timing.

It replaces missing iron, but low iron can return if bleeding, poor absorption, or another cause continues. Some patients need ongoing monitoring or additional treatment.

Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, blood tests, and the iron medicine prescribed. Some plans require approval before treatment or documentation that iron pills did not work. Ask about coverage and your estimated out-of-pocket cost before scheduling.

During treatment, tell the nurse immediately about any new symptoms. After leaving, call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe chest pain, or collapse. Contact the clinic promptly for other new or worsening symptoms.

IVIG stands for intravenous immunoglobulin. It contains antibodies—proteins that help fight infections—and is given through a small IV tube in your vein.

IVIG can replace missing antibodies in people with certain immune deficiencies. It can also help control an immune system that is mistakenly attacking healthy parts of the body.

IVIG is used for certain immune deficiencies, nerve and muscle disorders, and immune-related platelet conditions. Examples include CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy, dermatomyositis, and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Your specialist will explain why it is recommended for you. Approved uses vary by product.

No. IVIG is an antibody treatment. It works differently from chemotherapy and steroids, although your doctor may prescribe it alongside other medicines.

IVIG is made from the plasma—the liquid part of blood—of healthy donors. Donors and donations are screened, and manufacturing includes steps to remove or inactivate germs. These safeguards greatly reduce infection risk, but cannot eliminate it completely.

A nurse places a small IV tube in your arm or hand. The infusion usually starts slowly. The nurse may gradually increase the speed if you are tolerating it well.

Plan to spend several hours at the clinic. The time depends on your dose, the product used, and how quickly you can safely receive it. Your first appointment may take longer. Some treatment courses are divided over several days.

You may feel a brief pinch when the IV is placed. Tell your nurse immediately if you notice pain, burning, swelling, or leaking around the IV site.

Your schedule depends on your condition and response. Antibody replacement is often given every three to four weeks. Treatment for autoimmune conditions may follow a different schedule.

Eat normally unless instructed otherwise, wear comfortable clothing, and bring your medication list. Follow your care team’s hydration instructions. If you have heart or kidney disease or a fluid restriction, ask how much you should drink.

Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Ask your care team whether any changes are needed. Some patients receive medicine before the infusion to reduce headaches or other reactions; take these only as directed.

Tell the team about previous infusion reactions, migraines, kidney or heart disease, blood clots, and all medicines or supplements you take. Also report fever, a current infection, or any major change in your health before your appointment.

Possible side effects include headache, tiredness, nausea, chills, mild fever, and muscle or joint aches. Symptoms may occur during treatment or afterward. Tell your nurse about symptoms immediately so the team can assess you and adjust treatment if needed.

Serious complications can include allergic reactions, blood clots, kidney problems, breakdown of red blood cells, and inflammation around the brain called aseptic meningitis. Your team reviews your risks and monitors you during treatment.

During your infusion, tell the nurse immediately about any new symptoms.

Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe chest pain, collapse, or sudden weakness or trouble speaking.

Seek urgent medical care for a severe headache with stiff neck, fever, or light sensitivity; a painful, swollen arm or leg; much less urine; sudden swelling or weight gain; or dark urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin. These symptoms can develop after you leave the clinic.

Many people can return to usual activities if they feel well. Arrange a ride for your first treatment or if you receive medicine that causes sleepiness. Do not drive if you feel dizzy, sleepy, or unwell. Allow time to rest if needed.

It depends on why you are receiving it. Some conditions improve within days; others require several treatment cycles. For immune deficiency, success may mean fewer or less severe infections rather than an immediate change in how you feel.

Some people need long-term antibody replacement. Others receive IVIG for a limited time or have their treatment adjusted as their condition changes. Your specialist will regularly review whether it is helping.

Blood tests help check your response and monitor safety, including kidney function and blood counts when needed. Tell anyone ordering tests or giving vaccines that you receive IVIG. It can affect certain test results and the effectiveness of some live vaccines, including measles and chickenpox vaccines. Your clinician will advise you on timing.

Coverage depends on your diagnosis, insurance plan, and prescribed product. Many plans require approval before treatment and records showing why IVIG is needed. Ask about approval and your estimated out-of-pocket cost before scheduling.

OPAT stands for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. It usually means receiving IV antibiotics to treat an infection without staying overnight in the hospital.

Some infections need medicine given directly into the bloodstream. Your doctor chooses treatment based on your infection, test results, and overall health.

Your doctor has determined that you are well enough for outpatient treatment, with regular monitoring and follow-up.

Medicine is given through a small tube in a vein. You may have a regular IV, a midline, or a PICC line that stays in place between visits.

It depends on the medicine. Ask the clinic how much time to allow for your infusion and monitoring.

Some treatments are given daily; others follow a different schedule. Treatment may last days or weeks. Your team will explain your plan.

Tell your doctor about everything you take: prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and occasional medicines. Bring an updated list with doses. These products can affect your treatment or interact with antibiotics.

Yes. Tell your doctor what you use, how often, and when you last used it. This includes cannabis, recreational drugs, and prescription medicines taken differently than prescribed. Honest information helps your team choose safer treatment. You can ask to discuss this privately.

Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your list and tell you whether anything needs to change. Check before starting any new medicine, supplement, or herb.

Bring your medication list and tell the team about allergies or previous antibiotic reactions. You can usually eat normally. Follow any special instructions about fluids or medicines.

Usually, yes. Tests help check your response and whether the medicine is affecting your kidneys, liver, or blood counts. Your team will explain the schedule.

Keep the dressing clean, dry, and secure. Do not swim or soak the line. Follow your nurse’s showering instructions. Only use or flush the line as taught. Never use it for recreational drugs or anything outside your prescribed treatment.

Contact your team promptly. Report redness, drainage, a wet or loose dressing, or a line that has moved. Do not push it back in or force it to flush.

Depending on the medicine, side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, rash, or yeast infections. Tell your team about new symptoms.

Contact your team promptly for frequent watery diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever—even after treatment ends. Antibiotics can sometimes cause a serious bowel infection called C. diff. Seek urgent care for severe or bloody diarrhea.

Call your treatment team as soon as possible. Do not double a dose or change your schedule yourself.

Do not stop on your own. Your doctor will decide when treatment is complete or whether you can switch to pills.

Ask your team what is safe for you. Your infection, medicine, and IV line may limit some activities. Avoid activities that pull on or could damage your line.

Contact your team immediately for fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, shaking chills, worsening infection symptoms, or new arm or neck swelling near your line.

Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe chest pain, fainting, or sudden confusion.

Coverage depends on your plan, medicine, and treatment location. Ask about approval and your estimated out-of-pocket cost before starting.

Yes. Our ketamine therapy is administered under strict medical supervision by experienced physicians, in a controlled clinical environment with continuous vital sign monitoring.

The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated. Typically, an initial series involves 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as needed.

While some aspects of your consultation and certain infusions may be covered, ketamine therapy is often considered off-label and may not be fully covered. We will work with you to provide the necessary documentation for potential reimbursement.

Patients often describe a feeling of deep relaxation or a mild dissociative state during the infusion. You remain awake and responsive, and our medical staff is present to ensure your comfort.

No. For your safety, you must have a trusted adult drive you home following any ketamine treatment.