Is IV Therapy Safe?
When it comes to IV nutrition therapy, many newcomers to this unique form of treatment have questions—most importantly: is IV vitamin therapy safe?
If you’re considering taking advantage of IV nutrient therapy but aren’t yet sure about it, here are some important things to know about the benefits, risks, who the ideal candidates are for receiving treatment and other helpful information so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Are There Any Risks?
First, it’s important to assess any potential risks you could encounter. IV treatment is very safe, but complications may occur if not administered correctly.
As with any treatment that involves an IV, there’s always a risk of infection. Although it’s not very likely, if the infusion is improperly administered or if any non-sterile equipment is used, bacteria can be transmitted directly to your bloodstream and then spread quickly. While it doesn’t happen often, in order to best prevent infection, it’s important to speak with a licensed medical professional and ask them to walk you through the steps they take to ensure safe, healthy treatment for their patients every time.
Another potential risk—though it’s unlikely—is vitamin overdose. It’s an example of having “too much of a good thing.” While the nutrients used in IV vitamin therapy are good for you, it’s possible to have more in your system than your body can process. There are many different side effects people could experience when excess nutrients enter the body, but generally speaking, it can have a lasting impact on your internal organs.
Blood clots or vein inflammation are other risk factors to consider, although these can be addressed if monitored by a medical professional. As with any infusion, it’s important that a healthy dose is given and that each patient’s bodily reaction to the infusion is closely observed and managed.
Who Can Benefit Most From IV Vitamin Therapy?
There are many uses for vitamin IV nutrient therapy, so the short answer is: nearly anyone. Depending on what problem areas you’re looking to address, this form of treatment may benefit athletes who want to improve their performance or recovery time, people who struggle with allergies, older individuals who want more control over their age management, people experiencing frequent fatigue and more.
Anyone may benefit from IV vitamin therapy if they’re experiencing any deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral. Most IV vitamin drips consist of ingredients like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, magnesium, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc and other similar natural nutrients that most people can easily absorb and benefit from.
The good news is that many formulas can be customized to suit your individual needs. Some are designed to combat dehydration and reduce inflammation, while others are created to help boost energy and improve recovery time from an injury or sore muscles. Once you know where to focus on for yourself, a medical professional can help determine the best type of nutrients that can help alleviate your problem areas.
Who Should Stay Away From It?
Anyone with a major pre-existing illness may not benefit from IV nutrient therapy. For instance, if someone has a heart condition, that person is at a higher risk for an overload of fluids as a result of the treatment.
IV nutrient therapy has risks just like any medical treatment you might be considering. The best thing to do is consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional about your medical history and see if IV nutrient therapy is right for you.
What Should I Keep in Mind if I’m Considering IV Vitamin Therapy?
First, you’ll want to make sure you’re receiving treatment safely, so finding a licensed medical office that is reputable should be your first step.
You’ll also want to account for any current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. Although ingredients within most IV nutrient drips are safe to mix with other medications, it’s always good to double-check and make sure there are no risks with combining them.
Also, because this form of treatment isn’t typically covered by most insurance policies, anyone on a tight budget may struggle to afford frequent IV vitamin therapy sessions. Treatment varies in pricing depending on the medical office but generally ranges between $100 and $200 per treatment.
Lastly, it’s important to know that there aren’t currently a lot of studies or published data that prove the direct effectiveness of IV nutrient therapies, although many patients attest to its benefits and continue to return for ongoing treatment. For those considering IV vitamin therapy, consult with a medical professional or IV pharmacy first to assess your current health needs and see how the right treatment could benefit you.
How Do I Learn More About IV Vitamin Therapy?
Olympia Compounding Pharmacy has a variety of resources available for you to get more information about this type of nutrient therapy. Here are some for you to explore:
- What Is IV Nutrient Therapy?
- What Is IV Nutrition Used For?
- 5 Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy for Senior Citizens
- Can IV Therapy Help with Anti-Aging?
- IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits: 7 Examples for Improving Your Well-Being
- Olympia Pharmacy’s IV Nutrient Therapy Solutions