Elective treatments
IV therapy
Intravenous therapy is the delivery of fluid and dissolved substances — salt solutions, vitamins, minerals, amino acids — directly into a vein, bypassing the digestive system entirely. In hospital medicine it is used when someone cannot take something by mouth, cannot absorb it, or needs it faster than the gut can deliver it. Offered electively, the useful way to think about it is to separate what is known about the route from what is claimed about the contents.
The formulas
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Myers’ cocktail
The original micronutrient infusion — magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C.
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Glutathione with vitamin C
The body’s principal intracellular antioxidant, given intravenously with vitamin C.
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Brain Storm with vitamin C
A compounded infusion built around B vitamins and amino acids, given with vitamin C.
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NAD+ injection
A coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, given as an intramuscular injection.
What an infusion involves
The same for all four, except the NAD+ injection, which is intramuscular and takes about five minutes.
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The cannula
A short plastic tube placed into a vein, usually in the forearm or the back of the hand, using a needle that is withdrawn once the tube is in.
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What is in the bag
A sterile salt or dextrose solution carrying whatever the chosen formula adds to it. The composition should be stated and understood before anything is connected.
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How long it takes
Typically twenty minutes to an hour, depending on the volume and on how quickly it can comfortably be given. Some components — magnesium in particular — set the pace.
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Afterwards
The cannula is removed and pressure is held over the site. There is no recovery period and normal activity resumes immediately.
Risks of the route
These belong to intravenous administration itself and apply whatever is being given.
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At the site
Bruising and tenderness are common. Fluid can leak into the surrounding tissue if the cannula moves, and the vein can become inflamed — usually self-limiting, and uncomfortable for some days.
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Fluid and electrolyte load
A volume of fluid that a healthy person clears without noticing can be dangerous in kidney disease or heart failure. Several common additives are also cleared by the kidneys and accumulate where function is impaired.
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Who should be assessed first
Kidney disease, heart failure, a history of severe allergy, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and any regular medication are all reasons for a medical assessment before rather than after an infusion is arranged.
Common questions
Is it better than taking something by mouth?
It produces higher blood levels faster, which increases abosrpotion effectiveness, particularly when absorption is impaired or speed is required.
Does it hurt?
The infusion itself is not usually felt apart from the initial injection, though a cold sensation along the arm is common.
Is any of it covered by insurance?
Elective infusions are generally not covered. Where an infusion is given to correct a documented medical problem, the situation can be raised before it is arranged.
A wellness service provided under physician supervision. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Whether any of it is appropriate for you is decided after an examination — call (201) 408-5151 to ask.
Schedule an appointment
Dr. Yoo Rehab Clinic welcomes new patients from across Northern New Jersey and New York City, including Englewood, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Palisades Park and Ridgefield. Call today to learn more about insurance, scheduling, and how we can help.
