Glutathione is one of the ingredients on our IV menu, and one of the most searched. What is it, how is it given, and what does the research actually say? Here are plain answers, with how glutathione IV works at K Wellness in Long Beach and what it costs.
In short
- Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids, found inside your cells.
- At K Wellness, glutathione comes two ways: as an IV push with a Myers’ cocktail drip, or in a drip with vitamin C. Each is $175.
- Evidence for IV glutathione in healthy people is limited, and results and benefits are not guaranteed.
- Tell us about your health conditions and anything you take before your IV.
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid.
A 2018 review in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual describes it as central to keeping a balance between oxidation and reduction inside cells. It exists in two forms, reduced and oxidized. That describes the glutathione inside your cells; it doesn’t show what an IV dose does.
How we give glutathione IV at K Wellness
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) places a small IV line, usually in your arm. Glutathione is on our menu in two options:
| Option | How glutathione is given | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Myers’ cocktail with glutathione | As an IV push, with a Myers’ cocktail drip | $175 |
| Vitamin C and glutathione | In the drip | $175 |
A drip takes about 45 minutes on average, depending on your veins. An IV push takes about 5 to 10 minutes, not counting prep time. Prices are confirmed with you before your visit. Every option is on our IV menu, and the full price breakdown is in what IV therapy costs.
Glutathione IV push or drip?
An IV push gives an ingredient through the IV line as a push, instead of as a drip. A drip runs IV fluids with vitamins through the line. The difference, with time and price for each, is in IV push vs IV drip. What’s in the Myers’ cocktail itself is in what’s in a Myers’ cocktail.
What the research says
The same 2018 review notes that IV glutathione has been approved by drug regulators in some countries, such as India and the Philippines, only for specific medical conditions. We don’t make claims about what a glutathione IV does for you.
We think you should know that before you book. Our IV options aren’t FDA-approved to treat or prevent any condition, and results and benefits are not guaranteed. If you’re hoping glutathione will help with a health problem, talk with your own doctor first.
Possible side effects
Common, usually minor, side effects at the IV site include soreness, bruising or a cool feeling in the arm. 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.
The 2018 review lists skin reactions among the reported adverse effects of IV glutathione, including potentially life-threatening ones, along with kidney and thyroid problems. More on IV safety, and what to tell us first, is in is IV therapy safe?
Before you come in
IV therapy isn’t right for everyone, and it isn’t a substitute for care from your own doctor. Before treatment, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions, so tell us about any conditions, medications or recent surgery, and bring a list of what you take. Tell us if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It isn’t a medical evaluation — if you’re unsure whether this is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
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: plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a first visit, including new patient and consent forms. 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
What is glutathione?
A small molecule made of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid. It is found inside your cells.
How is glutathione given at K Wellness?
As an IV push with a Myers’ cocktail drip, or in a drip with vitamin C. A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) places the IV.
How much is a glutathione IV?
$175 for a Myers’ cocktail with glutathione, or $175 for a vitamin C and glutathione drip. Prices are confirmed with you before your visit.
Is glutathione given as an IV push or a drip?
Both, depending on the option. With a Myers’ cocktail, glutathione is given as an IV push. With vitamin C, it’s in the drip.
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.