IV Therapy Safety and Side Effects: What You Need to Know

IV therapy can offer quick benefits, but like any medical procedure, it’s important to understand the safety aspects and possible side effects. In this article, we’ll cover what can go wrong (don’t worry, serious issues are rare) and how to ensure your IV treatment is as safe as possible.

This matters because an IV involves puncturing your skin and delivering substances into your body; being informed helps you avoid complications and choose reputable providers. We’ll also discuss who should not get IV drips.

New to IV therapy? Start with our Beginner’s Guide to IV Therapy for an easy-to-understand introduction before diving deeper.

Common Side Effects and Complications of IV Therapy

When administered by trained professionals, IV therapy is generally very safe. However, minor side effects can occur, and on infrequent occasions more serious complications are possible. Here are the things to be aware of:

Discomfort, Bruising or Pain at Injection Site

It’s normal to feel a quick pinch when the IV needle is inserted. After that, you shouldn’t feel pain, but some people get minor bruising or soreness in the area. You might have a small bruise where the catheter was similar to after a blood test. This usually resolves in a few days.

To minimize bruising, the provider should apply pressure after removing the IV and possibly a bandage. Keeping the arm still during the infusion can help, too.

IV Infiltration

This is when the IV catheter slips out of the vein or leaks, causing the IV fluid to go into the surrounding tissue instead of the bloodstream.

Signs include:

• Swelling
• Puffiness
• A cool feeling
• Discomfort around the IV site.

Infiltration is one of the most common IV therapy complications, occurring in about 20-25% of IVs according to nursing data.

If it happens, the nurse will stop the infusion, remove the IV, and apply a compress. It might result in temporary swelling or tenderness, but it’s typically not dangerous with just saline or vitamins (it can be more concerning if a harsh medication infiltrates, but most wellness drips are not irritants).

To prevent infiltration, nurses secure the IV well, choose an appropriate vein, and monitor the site. Let your nurse know if you feel stinging or sudden tightness as it could indicate infiltration early.

Infection at the IV Site

Any time the skin is broken, there’s a risk of infection. With IVs, the main concern is a local skin infection or phlebitis (vein inflammation).

Symptoms include

• redness
• warmth
• pain, or swelling

This begins a day or more after the IV, possibly with some pus if it’s an infection. This is quite rare when proper sterile technique is used.

To avoid infection, providers should always use new sterile needles, clean the insertion site thoroughly with alcohol or antiseptic, and maintain cleanliness. If you get an IV and later notice the site becoming more red or painful instead of healing, contact a doctor.

Minor redness can happen simply from irritation, but it should not worsen.

Serious infections (like a bloodstream infection) from IV vitamin therapy are extremely rare but have been reported in cases where drips were done in non-medical settings or with poor hygiene. That’s why choosing a reputable provider is so crucial (more on that below).

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to components of an IV drip can occur, though they’re uncommon with the simple vitamins and fluids used in most wellness IVs. Still, some people might be allergic to an additive or a micronutrient.  

Signs of a serious allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rash/itching
• Swelling (especially of face or throat)
• Feeling faint

Providers have emergency protocols for this, including stopping the IV and giving medications like epinephrine if needed. Again, it’s very unlikely during a typical vitamin drip. To be extra safe, some clinics do a small test dose especially if using an unfamiliar cocktail.

If you have a known allergy (say, to sulfur drugs – note that some IV vitamin products might have preservatives like metabisulfite), inform the provider.

Peach IV providers are always fully trained to spot these signs early and always carry epinephrine and benadryl to immediately stop a allergic reaction before it causes real harm.

Lowered Blood Pressure or Lightheadedness

Especially if an IV infusion is given rapidly or contains magnesium, some people experience a drop in blood pressure.

You might feel a bit light-headed or dizzy, or even mildly nauseous. Magnesium is a vasodilator (widens blood vessels), which can cause BP to dip if infused quickly. If you feel woozy, tell the nurse – they can slow the drip. Usually, lying down and some rest will resolve it quickly.

In fact, many IV lounges keep recliners or couches precisely so clients can lie back if they feel faint. This side effect is typically short-lived and prevented by controlling the infusion rate.

It’s also wise to have something to eat before your IV session; getting an IV on an empty stomach (especially with B vitamins, which might cause mild nausea in some) can make lightheadedness more likely.

Headache or Metallic Taste

Occasionally, people report a headache during or after an IV. This can be due to rapid shifts in fluid balance or sensitivity to an ingredient. If the drip has a lot of B vitamins, you might get a temporary metallic or vitamin taste in your mouth. This is harmless and goes away after the drip finishes.

Some IV components, like certain amino acids or medications, can cause strange tastes or smells (for example, some people smell B vitamins in their urine later,which is perfectly normal, it’s just excess being excreted). These are minor odd effects, not dangerous, but good to know so you’re not surprised.

Uncommon but More Serious Risk Side Effects

These following side effect are exceedingly rare, but good to know about so you understand your full risks.

Phlebitis and Clotting

Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein. The vein might feel hard and cord-like, and be sore and red. This can happen if an IV irritates the vein’s inner lining. Usually, it’s managed with warm compresses and anti-inflammatory meds and resolves, but it’s uncomfortable.

Clotting is related, sometimes a small clot can form at the IV site (superficial thrombophlebitis). This typically just causes the local irritation and doesn’t travel anywhere serious.

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from a peripheral IV is very rare, but possible if someone is very predisposed. Proper IV technique (choosing the right vein and catheter size, and not placing IVs near areas of flexion for too long) helps prevent these. If you notice a hard painful vein track after IV, let a healthcare provider know to ensure it’s managed.

Extravasation of Vesicants

Extravasation is like infiltration but specifically with a vesicant  a fluid that can damage tissue (like some chemotherapy drugs). In wellness IVs, we usually don’t have harsh vesicants, so extravasation isn’t a major concern.

About the worst would be high-concentration vitamin C possibly irritating tissues if it escaped the vein, but even that in moderate extravasation is usually just managed with observation.

This is more a concern in hospital IV meds than vitamin drips.

Systemic Infection (Sepsis)

If an IV line became contaminated and led to a bloodstream infection, it’s a medical emergency.

Signs include:

• fever
• chills
• feeling very ill

These occur about a day or two post-IV. This scenario is extremely unlikely in a well-run IV therapy practice. It’s more often related to long-term IV lines or hospitalization, but it underscores the need for sterile technique. Ensuring everything that goes into your IV is sterile and the preparer has washed hands, wears gloves, etc. is non-negotiable.

Don’t hesitate to ask a clinic about their infection control practices.

Fluid Overload

If too much fluid is given too fast, or if the patient has an underlying heart or kidney problem, there’s a risk of fluid overload. This means the body can’t handle the excess fluid, leading to symptoms like swelling, high blood pressure, or shortness of breath (from fluid in lungs).

It’s mostly a concern in people with congestive heart failure, renal failure, or the elderly frail. In healthy individuals, a liter of IV fluid is usually well-tolerated and simply results in some extra urination. But in susceptible people, even that could tip the balance. That’s why reputable IV services (like Peach IV) screen clients. If someone has severe heart or kidney issues, they likely should avoid elective IV drips. As a precaution, providers also regulate how fast they infuse large volumes.

Electrolyte Imbalance

IV cocktails with electrolytes must be mixed correctly. Too much or too little of key electrolytes (like sodium or potassium) can cause issues like muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or neurological symptoms.

However, the typical IV fluids (normal saline, or lactated Ringer’s) are balanced solutions similar to our blood plasma. When vitamins are added, they don’t usually disturb electrolyte balance drastically. One thing to watch is if multiple drips are taken in a short time or if someone is on a restrictive diet.

Overall, the risk of electrolyte problems from a standard vitamin IV is low. It is higher if someone got many liters of plain water IV (which they wouldn’t since normal saline has salt to prevent low sodium issues).

How to Minimize Risks – Tips for Safe IV Therapy

Here’s how you can ensure your IV therapy experience is as safe and comfortable as possible:

• Choose a Qualified Provider: This is the number one factor. Always get IV drips from licensed medical professionals. Ideally, a registered nurse (RN) will administer the IV> They are trained in IV placement, recognizing complications, and maintaining sterile technique. The clinic or service should also have a supervising physician or at least a clear protocol for emergencies. Do a bit of homework: check reviews, ask about the staff credentials, and avoid any place that seems sketchy or run by unqualified individuals.
• Speak Up About Your Health History: When filling medical history forms, be honest and thorough. Let your provider know if you have any heart, kidney, or liver conditions, or if you’re pregnant, or have allergies. If you’re on medications, certain vitamins might interfere so disclose what you’re taking. A good provider will adjust or tell you if an IV isn’t appropriate for you.
• Stay Observant During the IV: While you shouldn’t have to monitor your own IV (the nurse will do that), it’s smart to stay aware of how you feel. If you notice the IV site starting to swell or hurt significantly, alert the nurse since it could be an infiltration starting. If you feel very light-headed, speak up so they can lay you back or slow the drip. Don’t try to “tough it out” in silence. Little adjustments can prevent a minor issue from becoming bigger. Most drips are uneventful, but you are part of the safety loop by communicating.
• Follow Post-IV Care Instructions: After your drip, the nurse will remove the catheter and likely put a bandage on. They might tell you to leave the bandage on for an hour or so and keep the area clean. If they don’t mention it: avoid strenuous use of that arm for the rest of the day (heavy lifting) to give the vein a chance to seal up.
• Know When to Seek Help: It’s very unlikely, but if after your IV you develop concerning symptoms (like high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, significant swelling or redness at the IV site that’s getting worse, etc.), seek medical attention. If it’s an infection starting at the site, you’d want antibiotics promptly. If it’s an allergic or adverse reaction, you’d need evaluation. These scenarios are rare, but it’s wise to keep them in the back of your mind.

By following these safety tips and being an active participant in your care, you significantly reduce any risks associated with IV therapy. Remember, millions of IVs are given each day in healthcare with minimal issues – so when done correctly, it’s a very standard procedure.

Choosing a Safe IV Therapy Provider

One of the best ways to ensure a safe IV experience is to choose the right provider.

Here are some pointers and questions to consider:

• Check Credentials: Verify that the person administering your IV is a licensed professional
• Ask About Protocols: Inquire about how they handle safety. For example: “What protocols do you follow for sterile technique and preventing infection?” or “How do you handle emergencies or adverse reactions?” A trustworthy provider will have ready answers. T
• Observe Cleanliness and Professionalism: When you visit the clinic or when the mobile nurse arrives, take a quick gut-check: do they wash their hands or use sanitizer? Are they opening sealed packages in front of you? Is the environment (or their kit) organized and clean? These little details reflect on their standards.
• Understand What’s Being Given: A good provider will explain what is in your IV bag and why. If you have any doubts, ask. The vitamins for IV use should come from compounding pharmacies or manufacturers with quality control. Feel free to ask, “Where do you source your IV ingredients?”
• Stay Local (for Now): If you’re traveling abroad and see extremely cheap IV drips, be cautious. Standards can vary. It might be best to only use IV services in places where you trust the healthcare regulations. Not to say international IV clinics are all bad, but safety can be inconsistent. At least at home, you can research their reputation.
• Price Consideration: Very low prices might mean corners are being cut, whereas very high prices don’t necessarily mean better quality either. Focus on credentials and safety track record over price alone. If someone is offering an IV for $50, question how they’re keeping it so low.

By choosing your IV provider carefully, you eliminate the majority of risk factors. The procedure should then be routine and boring – which is what we want when it comes to safety!

Who Should Avoid IV Therapy?

Even though IV vitamin drips are marketed to almost everyone, there are certain individuals and situations where IV therapy is not recommended.

It’s important to recognize if you fall into one of these categories:

• People with Kidney Disease: If you have chronic kidney disease or any condition that impairs kidney function, be very cautious with IV therapy. Kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins. An infusion could overload your system if your kidneys aren’t working well.
• People with Heart Conditions or Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure: Similarly, folks with congestive heart failure or severe heart disease need to avoid unnecessary IV drips. The extra fluid can strain the heart and potentially lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or worsen blood pressure.
• Individuals on Certain Medications: If you’re taking medications, particularly those that affect fluid balance or have interactions with vitamins, caution is needed. For example, if you’re on diuretics (water pills), adding an IV could upset your electrolyte balance. If you take medications for blood pressure or heart rhythm, high doses of some minerals (like IV calcium) could potentially interact. The clinic’s medical staff should cross-check for any known issues.
• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: The safety of elective IV vitamin therapy in pregnancy or nursing hasn’t been well-studied, so it’s generally advised to avoid it unless there’s a specific medical indication. Pregnant women can be more sensitive to fluid shifts, and some vitamins in mega-doses might not be safe for the fetus. If you are pregnant and think you need an IV (for example, severe morning sickness causing dehydration), that should be done under medical supervision with pregnancy-safe solutions.
• People with G6PD Deficiency: This is a genetic enzyme deficiency. If you have it (sometimes you might not know unless tested), you should avoid high-dose vitamin C IVs. Why? High doses of vitamin C can trigger hemolysis (the breaking of red blood cells) in G6PD-deficient individuals. It’s a rare scenario, but serious. Good clinics will ask if you have G6PD deficiency before giving something like 15+ grams of vitamin C.
• Those with Certain Chronic Illnesses: If you have a chronic illness like severe diabetes, liver failure, or others, whether to get an IV should be discussed with your doctor. For instance, liver failure might make processing some nutrients difficult. If you’re under care for a significant medical condition, run the idea of IV therapy by your healthcare provider first.

In summary, IV therapy is best for generally healthy individuals or those with mild to moderate issues that it can help (dehydration, nutritional support).

If you have serious medical conditions, the risks might outweigh the benefit unless managed by your physician.

Conclusion: Safe and Smart IV Therapy

IV therapy can be a beneficial wellness tool, and millions have been administered safely. By knowing the potential side effects and taking precautions like choosing qualified providers, communicating your health status, and being observant, you greatly increase the chances that your IV experience will be positive and uneventful in terms of safety.

In the rare event you do experience a side effect, it’s usually minor and easily managed if you or your provider catch it early. As we’ve learned, even something as simple as a bruised vein or a bit of swelling (infiltration) can be minimized with proper technique and care.

So go ahead and enjoy that IV drip for hydration or vitamin but just do it the smart way. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently reap the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls.

Stay safe and healthy!