Intravenous Therapy

Here are some of the most common questions we get about IV nutrient therapy:

IV nutrient therapy is the process of giving vital nutrients to the body via the bloodstream by accessing a vein in the arm with a small needle. The nutrients can be a small amount that is pushed in slowly with a syringe in about 20 minutes or nutrients administered in a bag that is dripped slowly taking as little as 45 minutes and as much as 4 hours, depending on the solution being given. Most IV drips take one to two hours.

(Back to top)

IV nutrient therapy quickly delivers accurate therapeutic doses of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and other nutrients into the bloodstream. This takes no work on the part of the digestive system, an immense benefit for those who have digestive issues or who cannot tolerate oral supplementation. There are also times when the body is so deficient that oral supplementation is not enough. Using the IV route of administration allows for the maximum concentration of nutrients to reach tissues that need them the most.

(Back to top)

The nutrients in the IV solutions are absorbed directly by your cells without the nutrients having to go through the digestive process. Nutrients are absorbed more quickly and at higher concentrations than with oral supplementation. Due to the high concentration of nutrients in the IV solution compared to that of the cells in your body, the “concentration gradient” allows rapid and efficient active transport of the nutrients into your cells, thus stimulating your cells to achieve optimal health.

(Back to top)

IV therapy provides a rapid increase in the nutrient levels in the center of the cells where the nutrients are most needed. Cellular healing begins when the cells have the nutrients they need to function properly. People often feel much better immediately after an infusion. Nutrients, fluids and medications which patients can’t take orally can be administered by IV.

(Back to top)

Although anyone can benefit from IV Nutrient Therapy, this course of treatment can have a positive effect for people with any of the following health concerns:

(Back to top)

Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient and a powerful antioxidant. A number of major studies suggest that I.V. Vitamin C can provide significant benefit in a number of cancers, including those that often have a poor prognosis, such as liver cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.

(Back to top)

Working with CA with IV vitamin C is not new. High-dose vitamin C has proven to be extremely toxic to a wide variety of cancer cell lines, while leaving normal, healthy cells undamaged. I.V. Vitamin C also boosts the effectiveness of several common chemotherapy drugs. In human trials, IV Vitamin C has been shown to significantly improve quality of life for breast cancer patients and for patients with other cancers.

A recent study showed that IV vitamin C significantly reduced inflammation markers in 76 percent of cancer patients. (Low inflammation markers can predict a better prognosis.) Just as impressively, the same trial showed that IV vitamin C decreased tumor markers in 77 percent of prostate cancer patients and 73 percent of breast cancer patients.

Studies clearly indicate that cancer patients who begin IV vitamin C therapy early in their illness tend to respond better, as do patients who undergo a greater number of vitamin C infusions.

(Back to top)

Colds and flus, chronic fatigue, allergies, wound healing, inflammation, and some neurologic conditions respond positively to vitamin C infusions. As IV vitamin C can raise neurotransmitter levels, it can help depression. We continue to discover additional applications.

(Back to top)

Most encouraging is that IV applications of Vitamin C have demonstrated few adverse effects. A small group of people, mainly those of Middle Eastern descent, may have a disorder called G6PD deficiency, which precludes IV Vitamin C treatment. A simple blood test to rule out this condition is part of our routine pre-therapeutic protocol.

(Back to top)

High dose oral vitamin C is notorious for causing gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. In addition, very little of the oral dose is absorbed and most is excreted. IV vitamin C results in much higher plasma and intracellular levels.

(Back to top)

The Myers Cocktail is the most common nutritional IV therapy. It is a synergistic blend of vitamins and minerals, consisting of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C.

The Myers Cocktail has been used to treat symptoms of aging, general fatigue, immune system problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis, acute asthma attacks, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinus infections, seasonal allergies, migraine headaches, muscle spasms and menstrual cramps, as well as to support recovery from endurance athletics. It has been used to help manage the pain associated with chronic degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. And symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and neurological disorders are often lessened by the nutrients in the Meyer’s Cocktail.

(Back to top)

Myers cocktail is named after John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland who treated patients with IV nutrient therapy for over 25 years. Since then, thousands of patients have received benefit from this cocktail.

Is Myers Cocktail right for me if I’m feeling run down, fatigued, or if I am getting a cold? One of the best times for a Nutritional IV is when you are run down, fatigued, under moderate to severe stress or coming down with something. Beneficial effects may last anywhere from days to several months. As many as 50% of those given an IV Myers Cocktail for an oncoming flu/cold/respiratory bug get immediate relief and even resolution of their illness. Others get a significant reduction in the length and severity of an illness.

Will Myers Cocktail help with my chronic fatigue syndrome? Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia often improve with weekly or twice monthly IV treatments. In some cases, the improvements are after the first IV, others after 3-4 treatments. Some patients become progressively healthier and eventually stop treatment. Other patients require periodic infusions to help themselves function better and to restore energy.

How long does a Myers Cocktail take? IV drips usually take about 60 to 90 minutes and pushes take about 20-30 minutes.

(Back to top)

In addition to the conditions covered by IV Vitamin C and Myers’ Cocktail, we offer IV protocols that specifically address the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive and detoxification systems, as well as neurotransmitter metabolism, inflammatory, skin and eye conditions, and nutrient absorption. These include (but are not limited to):

(Back to top)

The majority of people can tolerate most IV nutrient therapies. Occasionally, an individual may have an allergy to a nutrient and therefore should not receive infusions containing that nutrient. In addition, kidney or heart disease or high blood pressure may preclude the use of some of the nutrient IV’s. And those with G6PD deficiencies can’t receive IV Vitamin C. Otherwise, these therapies are very safe and well tolerated.

You may also be assured that the ingredients used in the IV nutritional therapies at Pacific Naturopathic do not contain any preservatives.

(Back to top)

First of all, there is very little pain involved. The needle used is a tiny 24 gauge. When the needle is withdrawn, a soft catheter remains in place for the remainder of the treatment. The infusion is more comfortable than an ordinary blood draw.

Depending on the infusion, you may experience local warmth and either an increase in energy or a relaxation effect. An improved sense of calm and wellbeing accompanies many infusions, especially vitamin C or magnesium infusions. And many people report subsequently improved sleep.

The length of treatment depends on the nutrient mix and concentration being infused. “Pushes,†like Myers Cocktail, take about 20 minutes. “Drips,†like high dose vitamin C, may take one to four hours.

We have a dedicated infusion room that is relaxing and peaceful. You may read, watch a movie on TV, listen to music, take a nap or work on your computer. Although you will be sitting most of the time, you may get up and use the rest room, if necessary.

Please come well hydrated and let our staff know if you have any allergies.

(Back to top)

Pricing varies depending on the specific protocol and the number of treatments purchased, and ranges from $150 per treatment to $320 per treatment.

The price does not include the cost of the comprehensive initial assessment or required laboratory work, which are the first steps for new patients interested in IV nutritional therapy.

(Back to top)

IV nutritional therapy is generally not covered by medical insurance. However, flexible medical savings accounts may reimburse for these therapies. A medical invoice (superbill) or medical necessity letter will be provided upon request.

(Back to top)