Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions and inquiries about intravenous therapy, intramuscular injections, safety, and more.
Wellness Therapy FAQ
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* 100% delivery of vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream.
* Provides instant hydration.
* Bypasses the digestive system (gut) and improves the absorption of nutrients.
* Delivers faster effects of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other substances that keep the building blocks of good health.
* Beneficial for people with malabsorption of nutrients (i.e. gut disorders).
* Beneficial for improved recovery post-surgical intervention.
* Allows higher doses of active ingredients that last longer, accommodating a busy lifestyle.
* Intravenous nutritional therapy helps enhance the immune system, provides mood support, enhances brain function, improves energy levels, and offers better overall health and well-being.
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Treatments generally take about 45 minutes but can take longer depending on the individual and treatment being provided. In all, you should plan on the appointment taking about an hour.
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The IV therapy treatment that you receive depends on your unique health concerns and what you would like to address. Our medical team can recommend treatments based on your lifestyle goals and can tailor your IV based on your individual needs.
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We recommend IV therapy for professionals, athletes, students, families, and anyone that would like to improve their overall health. If you’re wondering whether a specific treatment is right for you, please contact us and we’ll be glad to answer any questions.
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This depends on the setting and the reason for the treatment.
IV Therapy at Atheria Wellness is not for:
* Patients under the immediate influence of alcohol or drugs.
* Patients with allergies to any of the active ingredients.
* Patients with any form of severe and/or chronic illness and diseases (e.g chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, heart failure) should seek consultation with their specialist prior to booking an IV treatment.
Contact us to discuss if an Atheria treatment is right for you!
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Yes! IV therapy has been safely practiced for over 100 years. Our IVs are administered by a medical professional who has the appropriate training, licensing, and proven experience in intravenous therapy. All our medical personnel are licensed nurses or nurse practitioners. Our medical team has years of experience working in hospitals and clinics.
Our staff follow strict protocols and procedures ensuring safety during the IV process.
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It is an IV, so slight pain from the needle is possible but most find it barely noticeable.
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IV Vitamin Therapy can be a one-off to recover from an illness, jet lag or other life circumstance, or may become part of your overall wellness routine. The noticeable physical effects tend to last up to 10 days and it is suggested to return every four to six weeks for optimal benefit.
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If you have chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and/or on-going cancer treatment we encourage you to discuss IV therapy with your specialist prior to your initial consultation with our team. IV therapy is considered an alternative medicine and while the benefits of IV therapy are very well documented in literature, the decision to proceed with therapy is highly individualized.
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We recommend that our patients spread out the frequency of their IV therapy by a minimum of four weeks. If we are specifically treating a deficiency, we may be able to perform more frequent IV administrations but may require routine laboratory workup.
General Iron Infusions
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An iron infusion is an intravenous treatment used to restore iron levels when oral iron is not effective or tolerated. IV iron allows for higher doses to be delivered directly into the bloodstream under medical supervision.
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Yes. Current bloodwork is required to ensure IV iron is appropriate and safe. If you don’t have recent labs, we can arrange testing.
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Depending on the iron formulation, appointments usually range from 30–90 minutes.
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This varies by individual. Some notice improvements within 1–2 weeks, while others may take longer. Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
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IV iron is generally well-tolerated. Rare side effects may include temporary flushing, headache, or delayed muscle/joint ache. Serious reactions are uncommon but monitored carefully.
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Some benefit plans may reimburse all or part of the service. Coverage varies. We can provide receipts for submission.
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Your plan depends on your ferritin level, symptoms, and history. Some individuals require a single infusion; others may require a series.
Pregnancy Iron Infusions
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Yes, IV iron therapy in pregnancy is considered safe and effective when administered by qualified healthcare providers. At Atheria Wellness, we ensure extensively studied and pregnancy approved treatments for use during the second and third trimesters. Our nurse-led infusions follow evidence-based protocols to ensure your safety and comfort. A thorough assessment and recent bloodwork are required before treatment begins.
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Many pregnant patients report improvements in energy levels and reduced pregnancy fatigue within 1-2 weeks after their first iron infusion. However, the timeline varies depending on your initial iron levels and individual response. Fast iron replenishment occurs as the IV iron enters your bloodstream directly, bypassing the digestive system. Most patients require two or more infusions for optimal results, and our team will create a personalized treatment schedule based on your lab results and pregnancy timeline.
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While oral iron supplements work well for some pregnant individuals, many experience significant side effects including nausea, constipation, stomach upset, and poor absorption—especially during pregnancy when digestive issues are already common. Iron replacement IV therapy is recommended when oral supplements aren't effective, aren't tolerated, or when you need rapid iron replenishment before delivery. IV iron for pregnancy delivers iron directly into your bloodstream for better absorption and faster results.
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Pregnancy iron infusions are typically administered during the second and third trimesters. At Atheria Wellness, we work closely with people in pregnancy from around 14 weeks onward, depending on individual needs and medical assessment. One of our qualified healthcare professionals will review your pregnancy history, current trimester, and lab results to determine the optimal timing for your IV iron treatment.
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Fetal iron demand doubles in the second half of pregnancy. Adequate maternal iron levels are crucial to support healthy fetal development. IV iron therapy in pregnancy can help restore iron levels quickly to protect both your health and your baby's growth.
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Iron deficiency treatment in pregnancy is typically recommended based on a blood test results showing low ferritin (below 100) combined with symptoms such as persistent fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or headaches in pregnancy. If you're experiencing these symptoms or your healthcare provider has identified low ferritin levels, you may benefit from IV iron. At Atheria Wellness, our qualified healthcare professionals will review your recent labs during a consultation to determine if this treatment is right for you.
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The number of pregnancy iron infusions varies based on your individual iron levels, how your body responds to treatment, and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Most patients require 2-4 infusions spaced 1-2 weeks apart to achieve optimal iron and ferritin levels. During your consultation at Atheria Wellness, we'll create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs and schedule treatments that fit your pregnancy timeline.
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Booking pregnancy iron infusion at Atheria Wellness is simple. Your doctor can refer you directly, or you can book a virtual consultation with our Nurse Practitioner through our website. During the consultation, we'll review your recent lab results, discuss your symptoms and pregnancy history, and create a personalized IV iron treatment plan. Once approved, you can schedule IV iron for pregnancy at our Toronto clinic at a time that works for you.
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Your iron infusion appointment at Atheria Wellness takes place in a calm, supportive environment where your comfort and safety is our priority. The infusion itself typically takes approximately 90 minutes, during which you can relax, read, or rest. Our experienced registered nurses will monitor you throughout the treatment and for a brief period afterward. Most pregnant patients tolerate the infusion well with minimal side effects. We'll provide detailed pre- and post-infusion instructions to ensure the best possible experience.
Pediatrics Iron Infusions
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Yes. Current bloodwork within the last 3 months showing a ferritin value below 100 is required to potentially be eligible for IV iron treatment.
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IV iron therapy may be safely administered in pediatric and adolescent patients when medically indicated and provided under medical supervision, following established clinical protocols. All patients at Atheria Wellness undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, including review of laboratory results, medical history, and weight-based dosing, to determine whether IV iron therapy is appropriate.
As with any medical treatment, IV iron carries potential risks and side effects, which are discussed during consultation.
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At Atheria Wellness, iron infusions are offered to patients aged 12 years and older, subject to medical assessment and consultation by qualified healthcare professional. Eligibility is based on age, weight, laboratory findings, and overall health status, not age alone.
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The infusion itself typically lasts approximately 60–90 minutes, followed by a short observation period. Including assessment and monitoring, total appointment time is generally 1.5–2 hours, though this may vary.
Parents or guardians are welcome to remain with their child throughout the appointment.
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Many pediatric and adolescent patients tolerate IV iron well. Possible side effects may include temporary headache, nausea, muscle or joint discomfort, or changes in taste. Less commonly, allergic or infusion-related reactions can occur, which is why all patients are monitored during and after treatment.
Your healthcare provider will review potential risks, benefits, and post-infusion care instructions prior to treatment.
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The number of infusions required varies based on laboratory values, body weight, severity of deficiency, and clinical response. Most patients require 2 - 3 infusions. Follow-up bloodwork is used to assess response and guide further care.
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Oral iron supplementation is often first-line treatment. IV iron may be considered when oral iron is not tolerated, not adequately absorbed, or has not resulted in improvement in laboratory values despite appropriate use. Certain medical conditions can also affect iron absorption.
One of our qualified healthcare professionals will determine the most appropriate treatment option based on individual circumstances.
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Response to IV iron varies. Laboratory improvements typically occur over several weeks, while any changes in symptoms may occur gradually. The timing and degree of response depend on baseline iron levels, overall health, and underlying causes of iron deficiency. Most pediatric patients begin to feel an improvement in their symptoms within 1 - 3 weeks.
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Heavy menstrual bleeding can contribute to iron deficiency in adolescents. IV iron may be considered in some cases, depending on laboratory findings and overall clinical assessment.
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A referral from a pediatrician or family physician is welcome but not required. Recent bloodwork (within the last 3 months) is necessary for assessment. A consultation is required to determine medical eligibility.
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Patients are generally advised to eat a light meal beforehand, wear comfortable clothing, and bring items for comfort or distraction. Specific preparation instructions will be provided prior to the appointment.
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Patients are observed briefly after the infusion. Most adolescents can resume normal daily activities the same day, though strenuous activity may be deferred based on provider advice. Follow-up bloodwork is typically suggested several weeks later to assess ferritin levels.

