Looking for a Doctor with a Special Interest?

Looking for a Doctor with a Special Interest?

Dr Liam Carroll

Migraine/Headache assessments

Dr Liam Carroll offers 60 minute appointments to assess your Migraine/Headache history and will discuss possible medication or treatment options depending on your individual case and how this affects your daily life. You may also require further investigations such as blood tests or scans in order to provide a thorough treatment plan.

If necessary, Dr Carroll can arrange for you to have injectable infusion therapy having met the necessary requirements from a Medicare perspective.

Appointments are $320 with a Medicare rebate of $111.50.

Please call the clinic on 3399 4685 and request a Migraine/Headache assessment appointment.

Iron Infusions

Dr Carroll does offer iron infusions if you meet the necessary criteria. Please talk to your regular GP if you think an iron infusion can help.

What is Ferinject?
It is special form of iron which can be given directly into your blood stream to replenish iron stores which are essential for the production of haemoglobin. It is used for people who are unable to take oral iron, are unresponsive to oral iron or who need rapid replacement of iron prior to surgery.

Why has Ferinject been recommended for me?
Ferinject is recommended as a treatment for iron deficiency where oral intake (diet and/or iron tablets/supplements) have failed to help, or where iron tablets are not tolerated (e.g. because of nausea or constipation) or where a rapid increase in iron stores is required (e.g. prior to some surgical operations).

Can the infusion have any harmful effects on me?
It is uncommon (approximately 1%) to have a reaction to this solution and normally these are reported as minor, such as a mild headache, nausea or diarrhoea. Serious allergic reactions are rare (>1:1000).  If the Ferinject leaks outside the vein, it can cause a stain, similar in appearance to a bruise, however, while not harmful, this may be permanent.  

How is it administered?
The iron is given via an intravenous cannula which goes directly into your vein and is absorbed into your body.

What is the process?
You will have the cannula inserted into your arm and the injection started. The injection itself should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

How long does it take?
You need to allow 90 minutes for the entire process, including 15-20 minutes with the doctor, 30 minutes with the nurse and 30 minutes of waiting after the injection. 

Where do I get the Ferinject?
Ferinject is available on prescription from a chemist and costs $41 unless you are on a concessional benefit, where it costs $6.60.  It may need to be ordered in, which may take several days.

How much will it cost?
The cost of giving the injection itself is $250 ($170 for concession card holders). Your out of pocket cost for having the injection will be close to $175, so including the Ferinject, the cost will be approx $103 (concession) or $215 (non concession), which makes it similar to the cost of taking one Ferrograd C every day for 12 months (~ $205).

Can I have someone accompany me?
Yes, however please do not bring children with you.  Children cannot be allowed in the room while the injection is taking place as they will not be able to be supervised and it is important that there are no distractions or sudden movements.

When can I go home?
Once you have waited for 30 minutes after the injection, you may go home, providing you are feeling well.

Are there any after-effects?
Some people feel a little tired and the urine will be a darker colour as approx 5% of the iron is excreted through the kidneys the day after the infusion. The infusion does not affect you being able to drive home. Some people also experience a decrease in their phosphate level and this can make you feel very tired and your muscles and your bones can ache. If this happens, please let the clinic know - a blood test to check is recommended and you may need some supplemental phosphate. Increasing your intake of foods high in phosphate is helpful in the week before and following the iron.

How long does it take for my haemoglobin levels to improve? 
Most people notice any symptoms of low iron (anaemia) such as tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness get better within a few days although the full effect may not be for several weeks.

Should I continue to take my iron tablets?
This should be discussed with your doctor, however iron tablets should not be taken for at least 5 days after the injection, as the absorption of the oral iron is reduced following the injection.  As Ferinject is mostly used for people who don’t tolerate or respond to iron tablets, it is unlikely that tablets will be recommended.  For people who have Ferinject to correct iron deficiency quickly prior to surgery, tablets may be recommended after the 5-day waiting period.

Should I have follow up testing?
Yes, in 6 weeks time, a blood test to check the haemoglobin and ferritin (iron) levels is recommended.  Depending upon the cause of the iron deficiency and your response to the therapy, further testing may be recommended in 6-12 months time.

How long will the effects of the iron injection last?
This depends upon the reason for the iron deficiency (is it due to factors such as low dietary intake, conditions such as coeliac disease, excessive blood loss e.g. via heavy periods, kidney disease or a combination of these?).  The effect is anticipated to last for months to years, however, to see how it works for you, please don’t forget to have the follow up blood tests.

Adapted by Dr Wendy Burton from sources including the Royal Hospital for Women and the National Prescribing Service/National Blood Authority/product information, September 2015

Vitamin Infusions 

Dr Liam Carroll is now offering Vitamin IV drips which deliver Vitamins, Minerals, and amino acids directly into the bloodstream which can have various benefits as listed below. All are administered by a GP and in the safety of a clinical setting. 

An appointment with Dr Carroll is required prior to your IV Vitamin therapy to facilitate ordering of your chosen treatment and to answer any questions you may have regarding the possible benefits. 

Glutathione $360.00

Often considered the " Ultimate Antioxidant" Glutathione helps with tissue repair, immune system function and is a powerful antioxidant protecting the body from oxidative stress and ageing.

Glutathione is being extensively used around the world to help with creating a youthful appearance, reducing inflammation, lightening and brightening skin by reducing hyper-pigmentation, increasing mental clarity and alleviating symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as other chronic medical conditions. 

Lipoic Acid $320.00

Known often as a " Metabolic Antioxidant ". Lipoid Acid (ALA ) is a major Antioxidant and is unique in that it is soluble in both water and fat allowing it to work throughout the body. It also helps regeneration of expended antioxidants increasing its antioxidant potency. ALA improves insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 Diabetes and improves glucose metabolism.

Diabetic Neuropathy is another area where ALA has beneficial effects as well and has been used to treat peripheral neuropathy. Other uses that have been recommended is the use of ALA for the maintenance of healthy skin and the reduction of wrinkles and for liver detoxification and even, to improve visual function in certain types of Glaucoma. 

Vitamin C $300

Vitamin C is needed to form bones, bloods vessels and collagen synthesis. It is also an antioxidant and plays a major role in wound repair and healing,  a healthy and reactive immune system and eye diseases.  

Full Cocktail $380.00

Contains an extended combination of Vit B formula ( B1/2/3/5/6/12 ), Vit C, Folic acid, Magnesium and Zinc and has been used for a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to Fibromyalgia, Fatigue, Muscle spasms, Migraines, upper respiratory symptoms and multiple other conditions.

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