Is IV therapy safe? It isn’t risk-free, and it isn’t right for everyone. Here is what can happen, who should talk to a doctor first, and what we ask before every first IV at K Wellness in Long Beach.
In short
- The most common side effects are minor and at the IV site: soreness, bruising or a cool feeling in the arm.
- Less often, a vein can become irritated or an infection can develop. Rarely, an allergic reaction can occur.
- Tell us about your health conditions and medications before your IV. If you’re unsure whether IV therapy is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
- Tell us right away if something doesn’t feel right during your drip.
IV drip side effects: what can happen
Common, usually minor, side effects at the IV site include soreness, bruising or a cool feeling in the arm. Some ingredients can cause warmth, flushing or light-headedness during the drip.
Less often, a vein can become irritated or an infection can develop, and rarely an allergic reaction can occur. Tell us right away if something doesn’t feel right.
What a medical reference notes
The MSD Manual’s 2025 review of IV vitamin therapy lists these IV vitamin therapy side effects and risks:
- If an infusion is given too quickly, it can lower blood pressure, which can lead to light-headedness and fainting.
- In people with abnormal blood levels of magnesium or potassium, infusions containing magnesium or potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms or muscle weakness.
- Severe reactions have been reported, including deaths from bloodstream infections caused by contamination from improperly sterilized equipment.
- Other reported effects include upset stomach, insomnia and depression.
- The safety of IV vitamin therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn’t been studied.
It also notes that some ingredients can interact with medications, such as magnesium with blood pressure medicines. That is one reason we ask what you take. More on ingredients is in what’s in a Myers’ cocktail.
Tell us if any of these apply
IV therapy isn’t right for everyone, and it isn’t a substitute for care from your own doctor. Tell us if any of these apply. If you’re unsure whether IV therapy is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
- You have kidney, heart or liver conditions, or high blood pressure.
- You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have allergies, including to any medication.
- You take any medications or supplements, including blood thinners.
- You have stomach ulcers, a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or a bleeding disorder.
- You are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or take them regularly.
- You have surgery coming up.
- You have had problems with IVs or blood draws before.
What we ask before your first IV
Before treatment, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions and anything you’re taking. Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and tell us about any allergies or recent surgery. It isn’t a medical evaluation, so if you’re unsure, check with your doctor first.
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) places the IV, usually in your arm. You’ll feel a quick pinch when it’s placed.
Questions to ask any IV clinic about safety
- Who places the IV, and what is their license?
- What exactly is in the drip I’m choosing?
- Will someone ask about my health conditions and medications first?
- What happens if I feel unwell during the drip?
At K Wellness, a licensed vocational nurse places the IV, the menu lists what each drip contains, and our medical assistant asks about your health first. See the IV menu and how IV pricing works.
Your visit
K Wellness is inside Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806. The two have the same owner and share the same office.
- How long: a drip takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a first visit. More on timing.
- Parking: park in our parking structure. There’s a K Wellness sign outside our door, so you don’t need to go through the main lobby.
- Booking: call (562) 269-0300, or request a visit online and we’ll call you to confirm a time.
Common questions
Is IV therapy safe?
It isn’t risk-free and it isn’t right for everyone. Common side effects are minor, such as soreness or bruising at the IV site. Less often, a vein can become irritated or an infection can develop, and rarely an allergic reaction can occur.
What should I tell you before an IV?
Tell us if you have kidney, heart or liver conditions, high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you take any medications, including blood thinners. If you’re unsure whether IV therapy is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
What are the side effects of IV vitamin therapy?
Common, usually minor, side effects at the IV site include soreness, bruising or a cool feeling in the arm. Some ingredients can cause warmth, flushing or light-headedness during the drip.
What should I do if I feel unwell during a drip?
Tell us right away if something doesn’t feel right.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your own doctor about your health. In an emergency, call 911.