How Does an IV Drip Work and What Are the Benefits?

An IV drip is a commonly used medical treatment that has been a staple in doctors’ offices and operating rooms for decades.

IV drip is short for intravenous drip. “Intravenous” means “through a vein.” IV drips get their name from the direct insertion of a needle into a vein, usually in your arm. This needle is connected to an IV line, which periodically feeds fluids from a special bag into your bloodstream.

An IV bag can contain a wide array of substances – medications, nutrients like vitamins and minerals, and anesthesia are all commonly administered via IV drips.

While some IV procedures need to be administered in a doctor’s office or hospital, IVs can also be used in what is known as a home infusion.

Home infusions are administered by a registered nurse, who comes to a patient’s home with all of the necessary supplies to perform the infusion – all the patient has to do is sit back and relax. The nurse walks the patient through the procedure and stays attentive to their needs and comfort level throughout treatment.

At-Home IV Therapy Explained

At-home IV therapy, also known as home infusion, is a form of IV treatment that is growing in popularity. This form of infusion usually involves an IV bag filled with a combination of saline solution and valuable nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, electrolytes, and more.

At ivee, we offer a wide array of home infusions, each of which is specially designed to meet specific needs. Below is a quick description of each of the at-home IV treatments that we offer.

Common Ingredients in IV Treatments

An IV drip can be used to provide a patient with a wide array of substances. However, ivee’s home infusion bags are primarily formulated with the following ingredients.

Saline solution

Saline solutions serve as the foundation for all ivee bags. This powerful hydrating agent acts as a vessel for the other beneficial ingredients in each IV treatment. Saline is made up of water and sodium chloride, and it is often used to deal with the symptoms of dehydration.

B-Complex Vitamins

B-Complex vitamins are common nutrients in IV treatments. These essential vitamins each serve specific purposes within your body. The B-Complex vitamins are:

• B1 (thiamine): This nutrient is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, the process within your body that converts food into energy. 
• B2 (riboflavin): Riboflavin is another essential nutrient for metabolism. It is also an antioxidant, which makes it a valuable nutrient for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
• B3 (niacin): Vitamin B3 is found in a number of high-protein foods. It’s a vital nutrient for metabolism and the production of new cells.
• B5 (pantothenic acid): Pantothenic acid helps your body produce hormones, as well as cholesterol.
• B6 (pyridoxine): Pyridoxine is important for processing amino acids in food, as well as for the creation of neurotransmitters within your brain.
• B7 (biotin): Biotin is necessary for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin B7 also helps your body metabolize several important nutrients, including carbohydrates and fat.
• B9 (folate): Folate is a vital nutrient for cell generation.
• B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the best-known B-Complex vitamins. It serves numerous purposes within your body, including aiding in the production of DNA and supporting cognitive health.
  

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential nutrients for hydration, muscle function, and more. Common electrolytes found in IV drips include potassium and magnesium.

Other vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals such as zinc, L-carnitine, glutathione, and more are often included in specific home infusions.

Glutathione in IV treatments helps to increase levels of promote health functions, including:

• Lightening and brightening the skin
• Reducing redness and swelling
• Helping the body break down fat
• Promoting mental clarity and high energy
• Detoxifying oxidative stress

While 98% of L-Carnitine is found in the muscles, the body may not produce enough quantity that the body requires. Taking an IV drop is recommended for those who follow a vegetarian diet as L-Carnitine is mostly found in animal products. Not only does it help burn fat as fuel, but it also helps resist fatigue and muscle soreness.

Amino acids

Amino acids may also be part of the formula for your IV treatment. Specific amino acids can be helpful for treatments focusing on hangover relief, muscle recovery, and more.

These nutrients are often added to specific formulas based on the main issues that a patient is seeking to resolve with their IV therapy treatments.

Are Home Infusions Safe?

While it might seem concerning to get medical treatment in your home, procedures like home infusions are not uncommon. At-home medical treatment has historically been mainly provided to patients who are incapacitated or in hospice care. 

For decades – and even centuries – medical care has been provided to patients who need to be treated in the comfort of their homes. However, the standards for at-home care have improved in the last decades, making home infusions safer than ever.

If you are wondering about the safety of a home infusion, you can rest easy. Each infusion is administered by an experienced Registered Nurse, who is fully trained in all of the necessary skills for providing IV therapy to patients.

In addition, getting at-home treatment instead of visiting a hospital or doctor’s office allows you to avoid the potential exposure to germs.

Do IV Drips Hurt?

Because a needle is involved in IV therapy, it’s natural to feel some unease before your first home infusion.

Fortunately, a home infusion treatment only causes a brief moment of discomfort as the nurse inserts the needle into the vein. In fact, most only feel a slight pinch. After the needle is in place, you won’t feel any more pain or discomfort.

Are There Side Effects for IV Treatment?

When IV treatment is provided by a trained professional, there is minimal potential for side effects. At worst, you may experience some bruising or bleeding after an IV is administered, but these symptoms will not last long. The nurse providing your treatment will pay close attention to your comfort level during the procedure, and they will be prepared to respond in the unlikely event that you experience side effects.

How Long Does an IV Treatment Take?

Home infusions typically take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size of the vein, hydration levels, and other factors.

While a registered nurse administers the treatment, you are free to enjoy some music, watch TV, or even read a book. The nurse will handle everything, allowing you to take some time for yourself.

Conclusion

At-home IV treatments can have numerous benefits, and they can play a valuable role in a comprehensive wellness routine.

Before we wrap up, let’s briefly summarize the benefits of at-home IV therapy.

• ivee’s home infusion treatments are administered in a comfortable context. You don’t have to worry about long lines, uncomfortable waiting rooms, or sterile and uncomfortable examination rooms. Instead, you can get the care that you need in the comfort of your own home.
• ivee treatments are provided safely by experienced healthcare professionals. Each treatment is specially formulated for your specific needs. Treatments are available for a wide array of purposes, including hangover relief, improved immunity, athletic recovery, and more.
• While some IV treatments need to be administered in the hospital or doctor’s office, many do not. If you are seeking IV therapy to complement the other aspects of your wellness routine, at-home treatments are a perfect option for you.

To learn more about everything ivee has to offer, click .

In addition, if you want to get more in-depth about IV treatments and the benefits they can provide, make sure to visit the ivee blog. There, you’ll find plenty of helpful information about ivee and the ingredients we use in our signature IV treatments.

Sources:

Thiamin | Mayo Clinic

Home Care – Nursing, History, and Health Care | Penn Nursing

Folate (folic acid) | Mayo Clinic