It is the question we hear most, and the answer is refreshingly simple once you know the rule: if the infusion contains a prescription medicine, you need a doctor's order. If it is fluids only, you do not.
Service by service
- Iron infusions: prescription required. Intravenous iron is a prescription medicine. Your GP or specialist confirms the deficiency, writes the script, and your pharmacy dispenses the iron for you to bring along.
- Intralipid infusions: specialist direction required. These are administered under a patient-specific authorisation from your treating specialist, who also prescribes the intralipid your pharmacy dispenses.
- Vitamin and nutrient infusions: prescription required. Even vitamins you can buy as tablets become prescription medicines in intravenous form. Your doctor prescribes; your pharmacy dispenses; you bring it with you.
- IV hydration: no referral needed. Hydration is fluids delivered by a nurse, with a suitability check before every session. You can simply book.
Why the rule exists
Anything delivered intravenously bypasses the body's usual safeguards, so Australian law requires a medical practitioner to decide that a prescription medicine is appropriate for you before it is given. It is not red tape; it is the reason infusion therapy has a strong safety record when done properly. It also means a reputable clinic will never sell you a prescription infusion off a menu.
The quickest path if you do not have a script yet
- Start with your GP. Describe your symptoms and ask whether testing makes sense. For iron in particular, deficiency should be confirmed and investigated before it is treated.
- If your doctor prescribes an infusion, ask them to specify the product and dose, collect it from the pharmacy, and keep the dispensing label intact.
- Then book. Bring your prescription, your pharmacy-dispensed medication and photo ID. Your nurse checks all three before anything begins.
What if my doctor is not sure where to send me?
Doctors can download our referral and authorisation forms from the referrer page, or call us directly. We administer any validly prescribed infusion and report back after every visit.
Ready now? Request an appointment, or read more about iron infusions and prescribed vitamin infusions at Fjör.