Intravenous Therapy, also known as IV, is a specially formulated liquid that is injected into the veins to prevent dehydration. It is generally used for everything, from kids to elders, those who are dehydrated, injured, sick, or undergoing surgery. It is a safe, simple method to keep a person hydrated and the risk of complications is also low. Can You Buy IV Bags Over The Counter?
Asking for an IV bag over the counter for non-medical purposes is relatively new and is not advised by doctors and professionals alike. IV therapy should be administered by a professional doctor. One can receive the IV fluids at the home, office, or any place they want besides the hospital by requesting a trained professional to come and administer one.
How does IV therapy work?
A catheter and a saline-based electrolyte solution containing your chosen vitamins and nutrients are used in an IV fluid drip. An IV drip bypasses your digestive process and provides these vital nutrients and fluids directly into your circulation.
Why would anyone require an IV drip?
The first question that comes to mind when asked to inject anything into your body is why? Various reasons would require one to take IV therapy. Some of them are:
- Hangovers; an IV drip is the most effective way to deal with dehydration that comes after consuming alcohol and having hangovers. But this can easily be cured by oral fluids.
- Dehydration from some flu; falling sick can lead to excessive vomiting and the levels of your vitamins in your body going down, in such cases an IV drip would help to restore these vitamins in the body.
- Food poisoning; during food poisoning, one vomits or excretes out all the fluids in the body. This leads to dehydration which if not addressed may prove to be fatal.
- Getting instant healthy glowing skin; is a relatively newer trend. Most celebrities take on IV drips to achieve that ever-glowing and healthy skin.
- Undergoing some surgery; those undergoing surgery are given IV therapy as it would keep their vitamins at the level required for the body. Without IV therapy the body would not be able to sustain itself during the surgery.
Can you buy IV bags over the counter?
You cannot buy IV bags over the counter. Sterile saline requires a doctor’s prescription as it may pose certain health risks. However, there are sites online that do sell sterile saline but they require the buyer to upload a prescription. However, recently there is an increase in IV bars, lounges, or spas claiming to cure hangovers and for beauty purposes. The science behind this is still lacking. When an IV is inserted into the body through a vein, it gets direct access to the bloodstream and breaches the body’s first line of defense, that is the skin. Though the risk of infection is quite low from the IV injections, it is still advisable to administer it properly by a professional.
How to purchase IV bags then?
Once you have the doctor’s prescription, you can easily purchase the IV bags. The best place to purchase one is from your nearby medical store. You can also ask your physician or the hospital that you visited to supply you with the IV bags. You can also order it online from certain medical supply sites but they would require you to upload the prescription.
Is it an effective treatment?
Taking IV fluids is an effective treatment. Several studies are showing that taking IV fluids is an effective treatment. Nutrients, vitamins, and medications are injected directly into the body. The method of bypassing it directly in the veins accelerates the way these reach the immune system and the effectiveness of the treatment. Side effects from the IV drip are non-existent or mild.
Conclusion
It might not be possible to get an IV bag over the counter. You might be asked for a prescription or doctor’s approval. Also, many health professionals advise against getting an IV drip just for beauty purposes. Though it is possible to get IV therapy at home if you are recently discharged from the hospital or the doctor has prescribed for it to be administered at home under observation.
FAQ
- What is IV hydration therapy?
It is a treatment used to boost the body’s immune system by infusing several vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants into the body.
- What is the price of an IV bag?
The average manufacturer’s cost ranges from 44 cents to $1. Though the consumer’s price is not at all cheap. Some hospitals charge 100 to 200 times the manufacturer’s cost.
- Are there any side effects of using an IV drip?
The side effects include discomfort, bruising, itching, inflammation, or redness at or around the area where it is injected. These side effects are rare and very mild, they last from a few hours to some days.
