IV and Injection Options on E Joppa Rd
IV stands for intravenous, which means into a vein. Liquid runs through a small tube into the bloodstream. The IV options at the Ideal Wellness clinic on E Joppa Rd are NAD+, glutathione, Myers' Cocktail, and hydration and recovery. B12 and Lipo-C are shots.
Depending on your condition, our comprehensive evaluation may lead to a recommendation for one of these services.
NAD+ IV Therapy
NAD+ IV therapy is offered at this clinic. NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a very small molecule that every cell contains. It carries electrons from one chemical reaction to another, and NAD+ is the form ready to pick them up. The body builds it from forms of vitamin B3 and the amino acid tryptophan.
Cleveland Clinic says to always speak with a provider before trying NAD supplements if you have cancer or a history of it, have advanced liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are considering long-term, high-dose use. Mention any of these to us as well.
Cleveland Clinic's article on what NAD is says the body makes it from nutrients found in food.
Glutathione IV
Glutathione IV is offered at this clinic. Glutathione is an antioxidant the body makes on its own from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.
In this service it goes in through a vein. Ask what dose is planned and which side effects to watch for.
Myers' Cocktail IV
Myers' Cocktail IV is offered at this clinic. It is a vitamin and mineral drip named for Dr. John Myers, a Baltimore doctor who began giving IV vitamin treatments in the 1970s.
The formula has high doses of B vitamins and vitamin C, along with magnesium and calcium, in sterile water. The amounts can differ from one clinic to another, so ask what is in the one offered here.
IV Hydration and Recovery
IV hydration and recovery is offered at this clinic. It uses IV fluids, which are liquids given through a vein. Doctors use them to prevent or treat dehydration, which means the body is short of water and fluids.
The National Library of Medicine's article on dehydration lists signs of severe dehydration, including dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, and very dark urine or none at all.
Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency, and this service is not emergency care. Call 911 if someone passes out, becomes confused, has a seizure, has a fever over 102 degrees, shows signs of heatstroke such as a rapid pulse or rapid breathing, or gets worse despite treatment.
B12 Injections
A nurse practitioner gives B12 injections at this clinic. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient the body needs for healthy blood and nerve cells and for making DNA. Vitamin B12 can interact with some medicines, so tell the provider what you take.
The National Institutes of Health fact sheet on vitamin B12 says a prescription form can be given as a shot, usually to treat a deficiency.
Lipo-C Injections
A nurse practitioner gives Lipo-C injections at this clinic. Lipo-C is a name used for a shot that combines several ingredients, and formulas differ from one maker to another. Methionine and choline are often among them. Ask the provider what is in the injection offered here, and mention any allergies and the medicines you take.
What a Visit May Be Like
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Before the IV
You may be asked about your health and the medicines you take.
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Placing the IV
The skin is cleaned, usually at the inside of the elbow or the top of the hand. A needle goes into the vein, which may pinch, and a small plastic tube stays in place.
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During the drip
The liquid runs in from a bag. Speak up about discomfort at the site, a loose IV, a headache, feeling lightheaded or trouble breathing.
For visit length, cost and insurance, please call.
Who Gives IV Therapy and Injections
A nurse practitioner gives the B12 and Lipo-C injections. For the four IV options, call the clinic to ask who will place your IV and who stays with you during it. IV vitamin therapy given by untrained staff should be avoided, so this is a good question to ask anywhere.
Who Should Avoid High-Dose IV Vitamins
The Merck Manual's advice covers Myers' Cocktail and other high-dose IV vitamin therapy, and it says the safety of these infusions is unclear. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, a high dose could cause fluid overload, which could damage the kidneys, brain or heart, occasionally for good.
If kidney disease, diuretics or heavy alcohol use has thrown off your magnesium or potassium levels, an infusion with magnesium can cause abnormal heart rhythms or muscle weakness. Infection is a risk with any IV, and reports include deaths from severe infections caused by equipment that was not properly sterilized.
Should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with kidney disease
- People with high blood pressure
- People with a heart condition
Should talk to their doctor first
- People who do not have a vitamin or mineral deficiency
- People taking certain medicines, including ones to boost red blood cell production and the antibiotic ceftriaxone
The Merck Manual's article on intravenous vitamin therapy says an infusion given too quickly can lower blood pressure and cause fainting.
Tell us about any of these before any IV is considered, including NAD+, glutathione or hydration. A severe allergic reaction is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing or a swollen face, eyes or tongue.
Near Towson Town Center and Goucher Blvd
Goucher Blvd meets E Joppa Rd about 0.4 miles west of the clinic. Campus Hills is about 0.8 miles northwest, with Towson Town Center farther along in the same direction.